tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7073108783196978082017-12-10T21:08:19.235-06:00Lissalaneous ThoughtsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-87061918618847469402013-01-29T12:39:00.002-06:002013-01-29T12:42:39.735-06:002013 House GoalsI really enjoy setting house goals for the year. &nbsp;It's kind of sick how much I enjoy it and think about what I want to do to our little nest. &nbsp;In fact, I've gotten so into it, I have already thought some about a few goals for 2014. &nbsp;Crazy, I know.<br /><br />So, without further ado, this year's goals:<br /><br /><b>1. &nbsp;Give some love to the master bedroom (!)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCmRn59g920/UQPZtMos-hI/AAAAAAAACWo/-Lr_f0dw4uM/s1600/100_9877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCmRn59g920/UQPZtMos-hI/AAAAAAAACWo/-Lr_f0dw4uM/s400/100_9877.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fC25R1MqHPc/UQPZuX-6tuI/AAAAAAAACWw/I6LQKg1jcvc/s1600/100_9880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fC25R1MqHPc/UQPZuX-6tuI/AAAAAAAACWw/I6LQKg1jcvc/s400/100_9880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-417-Z43mY/UQPZuvEGj8I/AAAAAAAACW0/bqhGrjgt8pk/s1600/100_9881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-417-Z43mY/UQPZuvEGj8I/AAAAAAAACW0/bqhGrjgt8pk/s400/100_9881.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Not everything in the master bedroom needs attention. &nbsp;Our furniture is really quite lovely. &nbsp;And the curtains are pretty new. &nbsp;But we have totally neglected this space while focusing on other parts of the house. &nbsp;Now it is time to create an oasis. &nbsp;We need...<br /><ul><li>new bedding</li><li>artwork on walls</li><li>a monogram over the bed</li><li>a bookshelf</li><li>a reading corner (upholstered chair and ottoman or chaise)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDRwWz-ZGVM/UQPZvBZ2BSI/AAAAAAAACW8/K0QOkL1DDNw/s1600/100_9886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDRwWz-ZGVM/UQPZvBZ2BSI/AAAAAAAACW8/K0QOkL1DDNw/s400/100_9886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd also really love to paint the room a darker color, but I don't know if it will happen. &nbsp;Jim said he would love to add crown moulding, but that isn't officially on the list.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. &nbsp;Change and improve the master bath</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDUrt2v4QLs/UQgQ9dbhhbI/AAAAAAAACZg/zyzDZuMPQqw/s1600/IMG_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDUrt2v4QLs/UQgQ9dbhhbI/AAAAAAAACZg/zyzDZuMPQqw/s400/IMG_1063.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Our master bath is such a pain. &nbsp;We knew it would be when we chose the floor plan for this house. &nbsp;We tried to figure out ways to remove square footage from our huge bedroom and add them to the bathroom, but there was just no good way to do it. &nbsp;So, we are always banging into each other and locking each other out when using the facilities. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFA7MkpB2X8/UQgQ-MLQzsI/AAAAAAAACZw/ONfF2hJX18g/s1600/IMG_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFA7MkpB2X8/UQgQ-MLQzsI/AAAAAAAACZw/ONfF2hJX18g/s400/IMG_1070.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We would like to...</div><div><ul><li>add a pocket door to the toilet area</li><li>change the light fixtures and fans accordingly</li><li>paint</li><li>add artwork</li></ul></div><div><b><br /></b><b>3. &nbsp;Get new lamps / lampshades for the family room</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdmf6EDl53Y/UQgQ9DHelnI/AAAAAAAACZc/-G5biyv348c/s1600/IMG_1061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vdmf6EDl53Y/UQgQ9DHelnI/AAAAAAAACZc/-G5biyv348c/s400/IMG_1061.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30IMfGWh2rc/UQgQ8gLHgNI/AAAAAAAACZU/4NH8Ix2CtRY/s1600/IMG_1059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30IMfGWh2rc/UQgQ8gLHgNI/AAAAAAAACZU/4NH8Ix2CtRY/s400/IMG_1059.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div>These lamps and shades are super dated and the brass ones are a bit stuffy. &nbsp;It's time for a change!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. &nbsp;Finally redo Brennan's curtains</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOmJMobEC9E/UQgQ-AywZdI/AAAAAAAACZs/icT1Z2FOvmY/s1600/IMG_1072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOmJMobEC9E/UQgQ-AywZdI/AAAAAAAACZs/icT1Z2FOvmY/s400/IMG_1072.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>So, Brennan's curtains have been too short since we moved into this house. &nbsp;I bought another pair from someone who was selling some last year, but they are too short also. &nbsp;I plan to piece them together somehow to get the right look and length but just haven't done it yet.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. &nbsp;Hang a new family photo in the family room</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JW96EQZf0CY/UQPeVaFtTBI/AAAAAAAACX8/KgJjH5vkRB0/s1600/100_9458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JW96EQZf0CY/UQPeVaFtTBI/AAAAAAAACX8/KgJjH5vkRB0/s400/100_9458.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've never been really happy with this sign under the shelf. &nbsp;I want to replace it with one of my favorite photos from our recent photo shoot.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. &nbsp;Make barn wood artwork to go over the living room sofa</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM3NDOcUhts/UQgR8R7KtHI/AAAAAAAACaE/4Wlctrm3tKs/s1600/IMG_1058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM3NDOcUhts/UQgR8R7KtHI/AAAAAAAACaE/4Wlctrm3tKs/s400/IMG_1058.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I loved the artwork I made for my in-laws so much I am planning to make one for our house, as well. I'm still trying to figure out what it will say.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. &nbsp;Fix up Cora's curtains and window seat</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2y6xrRysnB8/UQPe2cPUr5I/AAAAAAAACYM/BxCLdZ9OwJc/s1600/IMG_0994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2y6xrRysnB8/UQPe2cPUr5I/AAAAAAAACYM/BxCLdZ9OwJc/s400/IMG_0994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Last year we were able to score a new bookshelf from Ikea to put under the window in Cora's room. &nbsp;Now I want to:</div><div><ul><li>upholster a cushion</li><li>make/buy throw pillows</li><li>either shorten the existing curtains or get new ones &amp; move the rod to better frame the space</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByXnYnai4vQ/UQPe2iVqVeI/AAAAAAAACYQ/lOkLBVhMlo0/s1600/IMG_0996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByXnYnai4vQ/UQPe2iVqVeI/AAAAAAAACYQ/lOkLBVhMlo0/s400/IMG_0996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. &nbsp;Make the craft room a functional, organized space&nbsp;</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RdZPfAQPiU/UQPeV0h5DvI/AAAAAAAACYE/0AB-4u27-VI/s1600/100_0799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RdZPfAQPiU/UQPeV0h5DvI/AAAAAAAACYE/0AB-4u27-VI/s400/100_0799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I am so grateful to have a craft room. &nbsp;With a door. &nbsp;However, the space doesn't really work for me. &nbsp;I end up with piles of paper all over the floor, I have to do all of my painting, assembling, and glueing at the kitchen counter because there is no workable table space, and I am using valuable space to store items I will realistically never use. &nbsp;I need to:</div><div><ul><li>purge old inventory and scrapbooking supplies</li><li>get more closed door storage</li><li>get more workable table space</li><li>purchase some paper sorters so I can quickly grab all of the papers I use for my orders</li><li>contain my fabric stash in a more compact, useable manner</li><li>add/improve lighting</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>These goals are probably lofty (as usual,) but I'll do my best. &nbsp;Now that I have three kiddos and a small business that's taking off, I don't have as much time as I used to. &nbsp;I hope to at least make a good dent. &nbsp;Here's to a beautiful 2013! &nbsp;:-)</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-27048048768704320962013-01-22T09:57:00.000-06:002013-01-22T09:57:09.968-06:002012 House Goals in Review... How Did I Do?<br />It's that time of year again! &nbsp;It's time to review my house goals from last year and see how much I actually accomplished. &nbsp;I both love and hate this. &nbsp;It's great fun to see the spaces that have improved, but it is also a little discouraging to see the things that didn't get done. &nbsp;One thing I'm sure of: &nbsp;If I hadn't set specific goals, I wouldn't have achieved half as much in our home.<br /><br />So, here we go...<br /><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><strike>1. &nbsp;Make the baby a beautiful nursery of all his own.</strike></b><br /><b><strike><br /></strike></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_X6sYlGgSQ/TwzdpzuU8kI/AAAAAAAABKs/dgnU7SQII4Q/s1600/100_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_X6sYlGgSQ/TwzdpzuU8kI/AAAAAAAABKs/dgnU7SQII4Q/s400/100_1177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>After:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0v4Fa0y1iQ/UPyyLvbVyOI/AAAAAAAACSk/O5G88Wqzbuc/s1600/100_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0v4Fa0y1iQ/UPyyLvbVyOI/AAAAAAAACSk/O5G88Wqzbuc/s400/100_1548.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_doqoIxcYuw/UPyyLxsxm3I/AAAAAAAACSo/0q78eua86AE/s1600/100_1558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_doqoIxcYuw/UPyyLxsxm3I/AAAAAAAACSo/0q78eua86AE/s320/100_1558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yuAGzdxhDk/UPyyL1ufdaI/AAAAAAAACSs/VhjoKDFH1cM/s1600/100_1551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yuAGzdxhDk/UPyyL1ufdaI/AAAAAAAACSs/VhjoKDFH1cM/s400/100_1551.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul style="text-align: start;"><li><strike>Paint the walls</strike></li><li><strike>Make and buy artwork</strike></li><li><strike>Buy / make crib bedding</strike></li></ul><br />Our littlest guy has a beautiful, soothing place to sleep and call his own. &nbsp;I couldn't be happier with it.<br /><br /><b><strike>2. &nbsp;Beautify this bathroom!</strike></b><br /><b><strike><br /></strike></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCiF8vU-haM/TUA2KvNjenI/AAAAAAAAARU/HvzlXW5vpLk/s1600/100_8546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCiF8vU-haM/TUA2KvNjenI/AAAAAAAAARU/HvzlXW5vpLk/s400/100_8546.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>After:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8DJBCwpV0s/UPyywovDKKI/AAAAAAAACTI/Dow3imnA280/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8DJBCwpV0s/UPyywovDKKI/AAAAAAAACTI/Dow3imnA280/s400/IMG_0432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnA01HO6jpI/UPyywuzl4RI/AAAAAAAACTE/JsKzQXLcRUE/s1600/IMG_0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnA01HO6jpI/UPyywuzl4RI/AAAAAAAACTE/JsKzQXLcRUE/s400/IMG_0431.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-uCzvPlFas/UPyywcOvDoI/AAAAAAAACS8/pZ_ZFG-_ds4/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-uCzvPlFas/UPyywcOvDoI/AAAAAAAACS8/pZ_ZFG-_ds4/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul style="text-align: start;"><li><strike>Put up bead board paneling</strike></li><li><strike>Add color with paint</strike></li><li><strike>Frame out or change the mirror</strike></li><li>Add artwork&nbsp;</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a photo arriving in the mail next week that will go on the bare wall above the hand towels, and I have the frames purchased for three prints that will go on the wall opposite the sink. &nbsp;Hopefully I will get all of the artwork done before the end of January.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><strike>3. &nbsp;Finally do something with this empty wall in the dining room.</strike></b><br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqUIvJG2fbs/TUA1-NIPHpI/AAAAAAAAARA/frFXxPSh5q4/s1600/100_8533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqUIvJG2fbs/TUA1-NIPHpI/AAAAAAAAARA/frFXxPSh5q4/s400/100_8533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>After:</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoLKJ2XvwX8/UP61Fw-bjDI/AAAAAAAACVk/aSuDU01hGI4/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoLKJ2XvwX8/UP61Fw-bjDI/AAAAAAAACVk/aSuDU01hGI4/s400/IMG_3142.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><b>4. &nbsp;Get Brennan new curtains.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5jfwsyfsXI/Tw4HN1ZhcLI/AAAAAAAABLc/G0WSiAJ-WEA/s1600/100_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5jfwsyfsXI/Tw4HN1ZhcLI/AAAAAAAABLc/G0WSiAJ-WEA/s400/100_1211.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I got him new ones, but they are still too short and even less attractive, so this one is still unfinished.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. &nbsp;Frame a map on this wall in the play room.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzAXOzHFsek/TwzhhIVs6cI/AAAAAAAABK0/S5u4nElNgJ8/s1600/100_8955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzAXOzHFsek/TwzhhIVs6cI/AAAAAAAABK0/S5u4nElNgJ8/s400/100_8955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Haven't done it. &nbsp;:-/</div><div><br /></div><div><b><strike>6. &nbsp;Paint unfinished furniture.</strike></b><br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIeV2jEQ4ZU/TwzhrFbpxWI/AAAAAAAABK8/TD4xZPKaeGQ/s1600/100_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIeV2jEQ4ZU/TwzhrFbpxWI/AAAAAAAABK8/TD4xZPKaeGQ/s400/100_1186.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>After:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHiMpYTqnDA/UP61LbkZ5EI/AAAAAAAACVs/pHyN7yqZL5o/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHiMpYTqnDA/UP61LbkZ5EI/AAAAAAAACVs/pHyN7yqZL5o/s400/IMG_0992.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><ul><li><strike>Cora's nightstand</strike></li><li>Toy bench</li><li>Storage for half bath</li></ul><br /><div><b><strike>7. &nbsp;Fill in the living room.</strike></b><br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V74aTzTnV8/Twzi3qXMg0I/AAAAAAAABLE/OJUW6_rM55Q/s1600/100_8535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3V74aTzTnV8/Twzi3qXMg0I/AAAAAAAABLE/OJUW6_rM55Q/s400/100_8535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>After:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sfkzJJB0Pw/UP61EeOT93I/AAAAAAAACVM/hJ_t3H7MC_A/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sfkzJJB0Pw/UP61EeOT93I/AAAAAAAACVM/hJ_t3H7MC_A/s400/IMG_0986.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><ul><li><strike>Secretary desk brought down from the bedroom</strike></li><li><strike>A lamp on top of the desk</strike></li></ul>A few additional things that weren't even on the list got accomplished as well! &nbsp;We got a new seagrass rug in both the living and dining rooms, and this week we have some Christmas-gift drapes arriving for the living room, as well. <br /><br /><div><b>8. &nbsp;Get a bookshelf for the master bedroom.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbKN280VrKk/TwzkDZdpdtI/AAAAAAAABLU/ZfQqCdyBiyI/s1600/100_9883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbKN280VrKk/TwzkDZdpdtI/AAAAAAAABLU/ZfQqCdyBiyI/s400/100_9883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Nope. &nbsp;Now that the desk has been moved to the living room, this bedroom wall is bare and simply collects boxes and junk from around the house. &nbsp;:-(</div><div><br /></div><div><b><strike>9. &nbsp;Make artwork for&nbsp;<a href="http://lissalaneous.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-and-new-room-for-cora.html">Cora's room</a>.</strike></b><br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcTa3iArvAg/Tw4ILexoGNI/AAAAAAAABL8/dz8HUr5XKQU/s1600/100_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcTa3iArvAg/Tw4ILexoGNI/AAAAAAAABL8/dz8HUr5XKQU/s400/100_1181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3CRKhm2ZaQ/UP1ERj4YHiI/AAAAAAAACUI/dh1t2Sj7gj8/s1600/100_1897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3CRKhm2ZaQ/UP1ERj4YHiI/AAAAAAAACUI/dh1t2Sj7gj8/s400/100_1897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><strike>10. &nbsp;Paint the guest bathroom.</strike></b><br /><b><br /></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ8XJ8rlWXA/Tw4HwO_D7_I/AAAAAAAABL0/yAYhCFpWqK0/s1600/100_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ8XJ8rlWXA/Tw4HwO_D7_I/AAAAAAAABL0/yAYhCFpWqK0/s320/100_1208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsMUDAP_0oY/UP61FX9aouI/AAAAAAAACVY/W_nN74bmybw/s1600/IMG_3139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsMUDAP_0oY/UP61FX9aouI/AAAAAAAACVY/W_nN74bmybw/s400/IMG_3139.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to tell, but I painted the bathroom a beautiful gray that I <i>love</i>. &nbsp;But that's as far as I got.</div><br /></div><div><b>11. &nbsp;Hang something above the bed.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKTVFsgXuZc/TwtN2av76OI/AAAAAAAABKc/C8cvCmWmcEo/s1600/100_9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKTVFsgXuZc/TwtN2av76OI/AAAAAAAABKc/C8cvCmWmcEo/s400/100_9878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fail again. &nbsp;I have to admit, our bedroom is the most neglected room in our house, and it will be at the top of the priority list for 2013. &nbsp;(Those goals will come in the next week or so, hopefully.)<br /><br />So, I accomplished the majority of my goals including the two biggest projects: Seth's room and the kids' bathroom. &nbsp;I am really proud of the things we got done and happy to see our house look more and more complete and loved. Overall, I'd say it was a very successful year for our house. &nbsp;:-)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-uCzvPlFas/UPyywcOvDoI/AAAAAAAACS8/pZ_ZFG-_ds4/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-uCzvPlFas/UPyywcOvDoI/AAAAAAAACS8/pZ_ZFG-_ds4/s320/Image+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sfkzJJB0Pw/UP61EeOT93I/AAAAAAAACVM/hJ_t3H7MC_A/s1600/IMG_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sfkzJJB0Pw/UP61EeOT93I/AAAAAAAACVM/hJ_t3H7MC_A/s320/IMG_0986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0v4Fa0y1iQ/UPyyLvbVyOI/AAAAAAAACSk/O5G88Wqzbuc/s1600/100_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0v4Fa0y1iQ/UPyyLvbVyOI/AAAAAAAACSk/O5G88Wqzbuc/s320/100_1548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-17650660625670521732013-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:002013-01-15T06:00:01.678-06:00My Little Monkey Business<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBpkJV0XVVU/UPOFX3RMXnI/AAAAAAAACNk/MCxdtL1cEpk/s1600/LIS_logo-GRAY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBpkJV0XVVU/UPOFX3RMXnI/AAAAAAAACNk/MCxdtL1cEpk/s320/LIS_logo-GRAY.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://lissalaneous.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Five years ago when we moved to Nashville, I started selling handmade items on Etsy. &nbsp;I found some things I liked to make - picture frames, journals, ribbon wreaths and topiaries... and I set up a store. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6mGZnhWrz4/UPOFHXTmfwI/AAAAAAAACNY/r6wggO4eWZA/s1600/100_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6mGZnhWrz4/UPOFHXTmfwI/AAAAAAAACNY/r6wggO4eWZA/s400/100_2202.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />I had a few orders here and there, and they kept me busy enough to feel a sense of purpose while I transitioned to life in a new city, but I really didn't make much money. &nbsp;(Honestly, with the time and money I poured in, I probably broke even.)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-il9RFRu2OQU/UPOFGpDvEMI/AAAAAAAACNQ/UZUWyF0dYoA/s1600/100_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-il9RFRu2OQU/UPOFGpDvEMI/AAAAAAAACNQ/UZUWyF0dYoA/s400/100_2057.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div>When I got pregnant with Cora, I abandoned the business and poured my love of crafts into my house and my family. &nbsp;It just wasn't worth my time to keep making things that didn't provide any extra income.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to last January. &nbsp;</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91485829/bee-gender-reveal-party-banner" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EjDhpadxOts/UPOHI_vi29I/AAAAAAAACOs/Pgr6gn8dTeo/s400/100_1412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>My dear friend <a href="http://mcgregorsrus.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Janna</a> told me she was pregnant again. &nbsp;After the tragic loss of one of her twin babies, the pregnancy was a shock and blessing and came with many complicated emotions. &nbsp;Janna and John wanted to do everything they could to celebrate this new life, so they decided to have a gender reveal party. &nbsp;Janna gave me the great honor of being the only one to read the doctor note: BOY!<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CILyoGRLOio/UPOHaHJfPLI/AAAAAAAACPI/mkDIq1idp9w/s1600/100_1452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CILyoGRLOio/UPOHaHJfPLI/AAAAAAAACPI/mkDIq1idp9w/s400/100_1452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I secretly made a cake with blue filling that everyone would cut into and find out the sex of the baby. &nbsp;It was a big responsibility, and I was so touched that Janna said she trusted I would "take it to the grave" before I would tell anyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, you know how I love a party. &nbsp;I couldn't stop at just making a cake! &nbsp;I asked Janna if I could make a few themed decorations to go with it, and she told me I could, if I kept it simple. <br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92226134/24-gender-reveal-party-blue-and-pink" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WoJs58lf7hA/UPOHJGr490I/AAAAAAAACOw/5q-pS2Z11MI/s400/100_1433.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I searched the internet for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91485829/bee-gender-reveal-party-banner" target="_blank">gender reveal banners</a>, and when I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, I decided to make my own. &nbsp;</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/91485829/bee-gender-reveal-party-banner" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBzj46ZWY9A/UPOHIz7Qv_I/AAAAAAAACOo/Ze_Q629d2BY/s400/100_1411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I decided to go with the "What's It Going to Bee?" theme. &nbsp;After designing the bee myself, I decided to add matching <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/92225044/bee-gender-reveal-party-package" target="_blank">cake toppers, a voting sheet, and some little pink and blue bees for decoration</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q3ytgb0UUI/UPOHJwaFtKI/AAAAAAAACO0/4bbfe-ht1rc/s1600/100_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q3ytgb0UUI/UPOHJwaFtKI/AAAAAAAACO0/4bbfe-ht1rc/s400/100_1437.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>When I showed up at the party and began putting out the decorations, Janna's friends kept saying, "You really made this?" &nbsp;and "How did you do this?!" &nbsp;I looked at my stuff and realized... People like these things, and maybe some would even like it enough to pay for it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RI6gH4hPaQ/UPOH7fjHnII/AAAAAAAACPQ/EZyIJ5AlAjg/s1600/100_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RI6gH4hPaQ/UPOH7fjHnII/AAAAAAAACPQ/EZyIJ5AlAjg/s400/100_1430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I went home and listed photos of the completed items in my Etsy shop (which I had never closed down), and I had my first order immediately. &nbsp;</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/90883191/12-bird-shower-place-cards-menu-cards" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSE0V9yP0iA/UPOFDJu3a3I/AAAAAAAACMg/PxBKtc2b3YQ/s400/100_1376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>During that same month last year, some ladies from my church threw a baby shower for another friend, and I offered to help cut a few things on my Silhouette. &nbsp;Before I knew it, one of the ladies offered to pay me to make banners and a few other items. <br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRuFvDAPwjQ/UPOFEOilG6I/AAAAAAAACM0/GSQEoY9Lu_E/s1600/100_1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRuFvDAPwjQ/UPOFEOilG6I/AAAAAAAACM0/GSQEoY9Lu_E/s400/100_1476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>The theme was birds to match the baby's bedding, and I decided to design some <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105804737/12-pink-and-brown-bird-shower-or-party" target="_blank">banners and shower items to coordinate with the Pottery Barn Penelope bedding</a>. &nbsp;I added those items to my shop as well, and suddenly I had a few more sales. &nbsp;</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb6I0gPSqY4/UPOFDlNgFtI/AAAAAAAACMs/jvHR-75E74s/s1600/100_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb6I0gPSqY4/UPOFDlNgFtI/AAAAAAAACMs/jvHR-75E74s/s400/100_1462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And with those sales, I had an epiphany. <br /><br />I had finally found my niche! &nbsp;I <i>love</i> party planning, decorating, and making things beautiful, and people were willing to pay me to help them. &nbsp;This could <i>be</i> something for me!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AL6OkN3f0uE/UPOKTaUSjiI/AAAAAAAACQY/wETdTvWdZwY/s1600/100_2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AL6OkN3f0uE/UPOKTaUSjiI/AAAAAAAACQY/wETdTvWdZwY/s400/100_2048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Last year I had about a hundred sales, and without looking at the numbers, I would say that more than half of them were for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105899872/duck-gender-reveal-party-banner" target="_blank">gender reveal banners and coordinating items</a>. &nbsp;This year, I would like to double my sales and market some of my home decor assistance and party planning a little more. &nbsp;I need to be willing to take risks, put myself out there, and pursue my passions. &nbsp;</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aXHTe7Escw/UPOKTdaahdI/AAAAAAAACQQ/WDdu3nQ-hbo/s1600/100_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9aXHTe7Escw/UPOKTdaahdI/AAAAAAAACQQ/WDdu3nQ-hbo/s400/100_2020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>With three little kids, our expenses are growing every day. &nbsp;Being a full-time stay-at-home mom (especially in a wealthy county in middle America) is becoming harder and harder, and I had already decided last fall that I would probably need to take a part-time job later this year. &nbsp;Although that still may need to happen, I am beginning to embrace the idea that maybe this part-time hobby could be something more.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5fEw2sJJDk/UPOKh-3M_OI/AAAAAAAACQs/6Pd3TTDQ5fA/s1600/100_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5fEw2sJJDk/UPOKh-3M_OI/AAAAAAAACQs/6Pd3TTDQ5fA/s320/100_2501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am very crafty and love beautiful things, but I am also a realist and love the comfort of a job with set hours (and set pay!). &nbsp;The idea of an unpredictable job is a <strike>little</strike> lot intimidating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div>This is where you come in. &nbsp;There are lots of people out there who do what I do - and many of them do it SO well! &nbsp;The only thing that will help me to compete with the market is word-of-mouth support from <i>you</i>! &nbsp;Besides ordering my products or hiring me to plan a party, you can help me by liking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Lissalaneous" target="_blank">my facebook page</a>, commenting on Lissalaneous facebook posts (which shows up in your news feed), and sharing my photos and posts on your wall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyXRGbdSJpY/UPOFFVT9aVI/AAAAAAAACNI/mV9x-84HOZk/s1600/100_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IyXRGbdSJpY/UPOFFVT9aVI/AAAAAAAACNI/mV9x-84HOZk/s400/100_1996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />You can also share my items on Pinterest! &nbsp;(I have such a love/hate relationship with Pinterest.) &nbsp;:-)<br /><br />It's a little awkward to self-promote, but I've promised myself that I would put myself out there this year. &nbsp;If you like my items or just want to support another stay-at-home mom trying to make a few dollars, I'd love your support! &nbsp;Thanks, friends!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/90877730/12-monkey-shower-place-cards-menu-cards" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP7_2sHUxc8/UPQ7zGsdEWI/AAAAAAAACRo/auVhWq33TMk/s400/IMG_0944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, what risks are you taking in 2013?</div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-24473943673351150362013-01-14T06:00:00.000-06:002013-01-14T07:42:11.316-06:00Seth: Nine Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seth continues to be a constant source of joy in our home, and I love him more with every passing day. &nbsp;He is starting to really come into his own, and it is so fun to see his personality shine. &nbsp;He has finally hit my favorite baby stage: 9 - 18 months. &nbsp;This is, in my opinion, the most fun age with babies, and I plan to enjoy every moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aRo2BA02Phs/UPNzvq_EumI/AAAAAAAACJk/GTOyMfbn644/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aRo2BA02Phs/UPNzvq_EumI/AAAAAAAACJk/GTOyMfbn644/s400/IMG_3016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the first photos I have gotten with my new camera that I really love! I still don't know how to edit, and it is far from perfect, but it is a far cry from my Kodak EasyShare. &nbsp;:-)</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Sleeping Patterns:</b>&nbsp; I think we are finally getting into some kind of routine, although it still varies a little each day. &nbsp;For the most part, Seth wakes up around 7 AM, naps from about 9:30 AM until 12:00 PM, naps again from around 3 PM until 4 or 5 PM, and he typically goes to bed around 8:00 (although last night he fell asleep at 10 PM and the night before he went down at 7:30 PM. &nbsp;We try to put him down around 8 each night, but when he lays in there and screams and stands up and jumps around, we eventually take pity on him.)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjaeQaEyHp4/UPNzwYBo7tI/AAAAAAAACJw/xfEYsLzQVe8/s1600/IMG_3070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjaeQaEyHp4/UPNzwYBo7tI/AAAAAAAACJw/xfEYsLzQVe8/s400/IMG_3070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is impossible to get an energetic 9-month-old to sit still for pictures. &nbsp;Wrestling the prop is much more fun.</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b>The only stinky thing about sleep is that he's currently teething and a bottle is the only thing that puts him back to sleep in the middle of the night. &nbsp;Stinks for both of us.<br /><br /><b>Eating Habits: &nbsp;</b>Seth usually has a bottle when he first wakes up, another when he wakes from his nap at 12 PM, another when he wakes from his nap at 5 PM, and another before bed. &nbsp;Sometimes, when he's had a really hungry day, I wake him around 10 PM to give him a bottle and put him back to bed. &nbsp;He also has breakfast, lunch, and dinner in his high chair most days, but he kind of hates it. &nbsp;He doesn't hate <i>food</i>, but he hates slowing down to sit in a high chair, and he really hates being fed baby food. &nbsp;I try to alternate baby food and finger food throughout each meal so we are both satisfied. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxGQO_9Rsoc/UPN4qDxRZzI/AAAAAAAACLg/gmZnytTgzW0/s1600/IMG_0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxGQO_9Rsoc/UPN4qDxRZzI/AAAAAAAACLg/gmZnytTgzW0/s400/IMG_0890.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time in a restaurant high chair!</td></tr></tbody></table>Seth's favorite finger foods right now are bananas, toast, and puffs. &nbsp;We've given him real peas, chicken, noodles, and homemade macaroni and cheese, and he wasn't a fan of much of it. &nbsp;He often tells us he is all done (we've taught him to sign) before he ever starts eating.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsRatJJadwI/UPNzwI2EkeI/AAAAAAAACJ0/zlddUMFWu40/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsRatJJadwI/UPNzwI2EkeI/AAAAAAAACJ0/zlddUMFWu40/s400/IMG_3067.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />Another change in eating is formula. &nbsp;I just wasn't convinced Seth was really allergic to his formula, and after a month on Nutramigen, I talked to the doctor and we decided to switch him back to regular formula. &nbsp;So far he has been back on it for a week, and everything seems okay. &nbsp;We are really hoping that it was a false alarm in the first place. &nbsp;I do not want to avoid dairy for months on end, and I <i>definitely</i> do not want to pay $250 a month for formula for the next several months.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f149Nr3kVXQ/UPNzvKsXe5I/AAAAAAAACJc/HMEBntUptyE/s1600/IMG_3062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f149Nr3kVXQ/UPNzvKsXe5I/AAAAAAAACJc/HMEBntUptyE/s400/IMG_3062.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm loving Seth's hair. &nbsp;It is getting tiny waves and is so soft!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Baby's Weight Gain: &nbsp;</b>At his nine month appointment, Seth weighed 18 pounds, 7 oz. &nbsp;This puts him at about the 20th percentile for weight, which is decent. &nbsp;You'd never guess he was small... he has a super cute little gut!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ty-NEI4NDDM/UPN4pB4yleI/AAAAAAAACLM/4GYiQl1ZnkY/s1600/IMG_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ty-NEI4NDDM/UPN4pB4yleI/AAAAAAAACLM/4GYiQl1ZnkY/s400/IMG_0837.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Accomplishments: </b>On Christmas Eve day, Seth pulled up in his crib for the first time. &nbsp;He was so proud! &nbsp;Since then he has become more and more mobile, and now he is into everything. &nbsp;It has only been three weeks since that first time he pulled himself up, but now he is upright more than he is horizontal. &nbsp;He loves standing at his toys, the couch, chairs, and anywhere else he can think to pull up and find things to explore.<br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82jwd9-p8-M/UPN4oX16qMI/AAAAAAAACK8/490SiHWP510/s1600/IMG_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82jwd9-p8-M/UPN4oX16qMI/AAAAAAAACK8/490SiHWP510/s400/IMG_0789.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Places We Went: &nbsp;</b>On December 17th, Seth had tubes placed in both ears. &nbsp;It went really well, and since then he has really taken off. &nbsp;Besides the fact that he started pulling up nine days after the surgery, Seth has become more confident and started babbling more. &nbsp;And when the doctor looked in his ears last week and told me they looked good - which is the first time since September I have heard that - I nearly cried with relief.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkq_EUBfa3s/UPN4qHgGwpI/AAAAAAAACLc/GtAQ-mGFbRs/s1600/IMG_0951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkq_EUBfa3s/UPN4qHgGwpI/AAAAAAAACLc/GtAQ-mGFbRs/s400/IMG_0951.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are fake beans on the floor by his feet, just so you know. :-)&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Memorable Events or Holidays: &nbsp;</b>Seth enjoyed his first Christmas. &nbsp;It was slightly hard to keep him from crawling to all of the packages – and tearing into the ones that didn't belong to him – and he definitely preferred putting the wrapping paper in his mouth to looking at presents, but it was a sweet time to share a last first Christmas with one of our kids.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6uy-_jZd0o/UPN4opllyLI/AAAAAAAACLA/5M5iKFNZFUg/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6uy-_jZd0o/UPN4opllyLI/AAAAAAAACLA/5M5iKFNZFUg/s400/IMG_0819.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seth Riggs, I cannot get enough of you (except maybe in the middle of the night when I want to be sleeping...) &nbsp;You hold my heart, little guy. &nbsp;I can't wait to see what the next few months hold for you.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-13205393814404551232013-01-12T06:00:00.000-06:002013-01-12T06:00:10.574-06:00Family Photos 2012In October we scheduled some professional family photographs, and they were the first ones we've done since Cora was 12 months old.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N53nmGnJXws/UPBsdmk12VI/AAAAAAAACHM/Ny6ouiDDmqc/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-65+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N53nmGnJXws/UPBsdmk12VI/AAAAAAAACHM/Ny6ouiDDmqc/s400/riggs+family+11-12-65+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This was our first time working with Ilde Cook of <a href="http://www.shehewe.com/" target="_blank">Shehewe</a> Photography, and it was amazing!! &nbsp;I first met Ilde over four years ago when Brennan and her daughter Ava were in Mother's Day Out together. That year when the kids had a little Thanksgiving feast at school, Ilde shot this picture of Brennan and me and emailed it to me:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfNBTkcxLYw/UPBpPF65j_I/AAAAAAAACEM/rjGKrFcqX30/s1600/423053719_wqkko-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfNBTkcxLYw/UPBpPF65j_I/AAAAAAAACEM/rjGKrFcqX30/s400/423053719_wqkko-XL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I still <i>love</i> that photo. &nbsp;I doubt Ilde even remembers that first photo, but check out this one:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3QXBhisUfA/UPBqgmtOT6I/AAAAAAAACEY/RkoFPLON6p8/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3QXBhisUfA/UPBqgmtOT6I/AAAAAAAACEY/RkoFPLON6p8/s400/riggs+family+11-12-80.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">History repeats itself! &nbsp;Seth's placement could use a little work, but Brennan had a few years on him. &nbsp;:-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMOiZCGbVOo/UPBqsvxTmOI/AAAAAAAACFI/Y_-Fw_lwVJE/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMOiZCGbVOo/UPBqsvxTmOI/AAAAAAAACFI/Y_-Fw_lwVJE/s320/riggs+family+11-12-79.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niCGwQjmoRQ/UPBqsy9bXvI/AAAAAAAACFM/rOTA2xCvVmM/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niCGwQjmoRQ/UPBqsy9bXvI/AAAAAAAACFM/rOTA2xCvVmM/s320/riggs+family+11-12-78.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ilde is a master at making kids laugh. &nbsp;Brennan hates having his photo taken, and I was sort of dreading the whole experience. &nbsp;But Ilde is a-mazing. &nbsp;She used crazy props - including a whoopie cushion - and she captured some true joy in my kids' faces.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaj9jo-in1w/UPBsYeH6dGI/AAAAAAAACGQ/jxkIW533o_Q/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaj9jo-in1w/UPBsYeH6dGI/AAAAAAAACGQ/jxkIW533o_Q/s400/riggs+family+11-12-104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmUxsrE3zLI/UPBsagQhPWI/AAAAAAAACGk/Kl17KoUjq7Y/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OmUxsrE3zLI/UPBsagQhPWI/AAAAAAAACGk/Kl17KoUjq7Y/s400/riggs+family+11-12-12.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uwo8txILpM/UPBsbSRA45I/AAAAAAAACGw/9opIpOhXjOU/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Uwo8txILpM/UPBsbSRA45I/AAAAAAAACGw/9opIpOhXjOU/s400/riggs+family+11-12-17.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwUXpMKT408/UPBsct9-86I/AAAAAAAACHA/UxXSveSw1GM/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwUXpMKT408/UPBsct9-86I/AAAAAAAACHA/UxXSveSw1GM/s400/riggs+family+11-12-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFYGr3FJRrc/UPBsc-em0uI/AAAAAAAACHE/64r3xpsAnbI/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFYGr3FJRrc/UPBsc-em0uI/AAAAAAAACHE/64r3xpsAnbI/s400/riggs+family+11-12-50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzg0c6-bfx4/UPBse4jPtYI/AAAAAAAACHg/msNJ3MYQhL8/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzg0c6-bfx4/UPBse4jPtYI/AAAAAAAACHg/msNJ3MYQhL8/s400/riggs+family+11-12-76.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5GxRWFZzw/UPBsfqKAclI/AAAAAAAACHw/OMlfepdoEJU/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lE5GxRWFZzw/UPBsfqKAclI/AAAAAAAACHw/OMlfepdoEJU/s400/riggs+family+11-12-92.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Initially we were supposed to do our photos outside at a farm (or farm-like area). &nbsp;It was <i>freezing</i> that day, and we decided we would be cuter without forty-six layers of clothes. &nbsp;So, we opted to stay at our house instead. &nbsp;I am so glad we did! &nbsp;I love that Ilde captured and preserved elements of our everyday life. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iVRlTxo0uQ/UPBsddKHnqI/AAAAAAAACHQ/fSz8cjPN78c/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--iVRlTxo0uQ/UPBsddKHnqI/AAAAAAAACHQ/fSz8cjPN78c/s400/riggs+family+11-12-51.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti4ZWoS0BJk/UPBsbxpakwI/AAAAAAAACG0/DeM69pzeBAU/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti4ZWoS0BJk/UPBsbxpakwI/AAAAAAAACG0/DeM69pzeBAU/s400/riggs+family+11-12-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being in our home and working with someone who <i>really</i> knew how to work with kids ended up making this one of my favorite photo shoots of all time! &nbsp;Plus, the weather warmed up <i>just</i> enough at the end of the afternoon that we were able to do some pictures in our backyard just before we lost the light. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaj9jo-in1w/UPBsYeH6dGI/AAAAAAAACGQ/jxkIW533o_Q/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gaj9jo-in1w/UPBsYeH6dGI/AAAAAAAACGQ/jxkIW533o_Q/s400/riggs+family+11-12-104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeSaxfwxTeY/UPBsXfpyNeI/AAAAAAAACGE/OM2mkp9VKcs/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeSaxfwxTeY/UPBsXfpyNeI/AAAAAAAACGE/OM2mkp9VKcs/s400/riggs+family+11-12-108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOvO_3InvyY/UPBsX0n5eEI/AAAAAAAACGM/quN_7QO15R0/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOvO_3InvyY/UPBsX0n5eEI/AAAAAAAACGM/quN_7QO15R0/s400/riggs+family+11-12-114.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2z2AlBh__c/UPBsaBLHkoI/AAAAAAAACGc/8pTovrbyiJo/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2z2AlBh__c/UPBsaBLHkoI/AAAAAAAACGc/8pTovrbyiJo/s400/riggs+family+11-12-122.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUwk8YRuVrk/UPBsa3_1vEI/AAAAAAAACGo/GupvlLkiYD0/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUwk8YRuVrk/UPBsa3_1vEI/AAAAAAAACGo/GupvlLkiYD0/s400/riggs+family+11-12-123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2_Gv7uPQHY/UPBsaHV9xXI/AAAAAAAACGg/r08ggrbT-UA/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2_Gv7uPQHY/UPBsaHV9xXI/AAAAAAAACGg/r08ggrbT-UA/s400/riggs+family+11-12-119.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Everyone</i> knows <i>someone</i> who takes great pictures. &nbsp;But not just anyone is brilliant with small children. &nbsp;Honestly, it takes a special person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you find someone who can do both, you get near perfection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQW8V57fVac/UPBsfnsTfbI/AAAAAAAACHs/8_L8un-EyX4/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQW8V57fVac/UPBsfnsTfbI/AAAAAAAACHs/8_L8un-EyX4/s400/riggs+family+11-12-89.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlG6-6bkNIs/UPBserlbbjI/AAAAAAAACHc/2YDlrEviiso/s1600/riggs+family+11-12-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlG6-6bkNIs/UPBserlbbjI/AAAAAAAACHc/2YDlrEviiso/s400/riggs+family+11-12-73.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This month I get to benefit even more from Ilde's gifts. &nbsp;I got my Canon Rebel 3Ti last month (finally!!!!) and Ilde is going to help me get started with it. &nbsp;I'm taking a small class with her and her husband, Jim, in a few weeks, and I am super excited to begin moving towards taking portraits instead of just snapshots! &nbsp;The photos on this blog should start getting much, much better in the coming months! &nbsp;:-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-8211060395287898702013-01-11T13:10:00.000-06:002013-01-11T13:10:56.582-06:00Pre-Christmas Busyness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIHNdv_2Dqo/UPBS1pS_QWI/AAAAAAAACBI/KjY2nm9Nw1Y/s1600/IMG_0666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIHNdv_2Dqo/UPBS1pS_QWI/AAAAAAAACBI/KjY2nm9Nw1Y/s400/IMG_0666.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a super busy Christmas season this year. &nbsp;I don't know why, but it felt busier than any other I remember, and I don't think it's just because I had more kids. &nbsp;Honestly, I just wanted everything to slow down. &nbsp;I am definitely going to make an effort to have a simplier, calmer Christmas season next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hyAtkEV0yM/UPBS1S7cnYI/AAAAAAAACBE/bscGLvlRl9Q/s1600/IMG_0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hyAtkEV0yM/UPBS1S7cnYI/AAAAAAAACBE/bscGLvlRl9Q/s400/IMG_0664.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the beginning of December, Cora had a Christmas program at school. &nbsp;She did an excellent job remembering all of the words to her songs and standing on stage to perform. &nbsp;It was a big improvement over a year ago when she ran off the stage at her old school.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIHNdv_2Dqo/UPBS1pS_QWI/AAAAAAAACBI/KjY2nm9Nw1Y/s1600/IMG_0666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIHNdv_2Dqo/UPBS1pS_QWI/AAAAAAAACBI/KjY2nm9Nw1Y/s400/IMG_0666.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMd2gDnbzfI/UPBS3Na3DgI/AAAAAAAACBU/JB9o5E_umUs/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMd2gDnbzfI/UPBS3Na3DgI/AAAAAAAACBU/JB9o5E_umUs/s400/IMG_0668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koqdBl_-lqI/UPBS3UWb4hI/AAAAAAAACBc/kyXWL30WL5g/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koqdBl_-lqI/UPBS3UWb4hI/AAAAAAAACBc/kyXWL30WL5g/s320/IMG_0676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the morning of Cora's program, I had a horrible stomach bug. &nbsp;I felt well enough to go and watch her sing - but <i>just</i> well enough. &nbsp;Right after she finished, we had planned to go chop down our Christmas tree. &nbsp;Against my better judgment, I decided to go. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNBaevJZPl8/UPBS4SWFUaI/AAAAAAAACBk/Tb9o7ZQSCr4/s1600/IMG_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SNBaevJZPl8/UPBS4SWFUaI/AAAAAAAACBk/Tb9o7ZQSCr4/s400/IMG_0682.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCYxNPTu6sg/UPBS5PnhBXI/AAAAAAAACBo/XLtONTXnugM/s1600/IMG_0687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCYxNPTu6sg/UPBS5PnhBXI/AAAAAAAACBo/XLtONTXnugM/s400/IMG_0687.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qweVRjT_bU/UPBS3hAv5ZI/AAAAAAAACBg/XmE6UCkaYBQ/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qweVRjT_bU/UPBS3hAv5ZI/AAAAAAAACBg/XmE6UCkaYBQ/s400/IMG_0678.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I survived walking around the tree farm, but by the time we got in the car to go home, I felt terrible. &nbsp;I got home, crawled into bed, and basically didn't resurface until the next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGEySO5Va_E/UPBS5VRqqjI/AAAAAAAACB4/Vd-iZ5njBnw/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGEySO5Va_E/UPBS5VRqqjI/AAAAAAAACB4/Vd-iZ5njBnw/s400/IMG_0702.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it took a whole week to get our tree decorated because I felt so crummy and life was so busy, but we finally got it done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As usual, lots of homemade gifts and crafts kept me busy in December, as well. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbdr05S2eaI/UPBS1H7jnKI/AAAAAAAACBA/L2yXT4pX2Ns/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pbdr05S2eaI/UPBS1H7jnKI/AAAAAAAACBA/L2yXT4pX2Ns/s400/IMG_0658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Courtesy of <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2011/12/omtwi-finale-block-nativity-set.html" target="_blank">this blog</a>, I made these nativity blocks that my kiddos could play with (since Cora <i>always</i> wants to hold baby Jesus in my good set). &nbsp;Sadly, I don't have a better photo, but the images are all paint. &nbsp;I love the way they turned out, and I love that the kids will have a sweet family decoration to pass down. &nbsp;I hope they fight over it. &nbsp;;-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a bunch of other crafts I didn't think to photograph, but I did take some pictures of my Christmas gift to my in-laws. &nbsp;They have been saying they need some artwork in the guest room at the <a href="http://lissalaneous.blogspot.com/2010/11/little-vacation-house.html" target="_blank">Little Vacation House</a>. &nbsp;When a neighbor was giving away some scraps of barn wood she had acquired from a barn in Kentucky, I jumped on them. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTISDkR_5xo/UPBhGl2foSI/AAAAAAAACDI/EZ4hmJLJ2To/s1600/IMG_0703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTISDkR_5xo/UPBhGl2foSI/AAAAAAAACDI/EZ4hmJLJ2To/s320/IMG_0703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jim pieced them all together per my instructions and put some dark felt on the back to keep white walls from showing through (totally his idea... kudos to him on that one), and I hand-painted a quote on the front. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZrBj6vEog/UPBhielYIgI/AAAAAAAACDU/__drAa8eUHk/s1600/IMG_3038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZrBj6vEog/UPBhielYIgI/AAAAAAAACDU/__drAa8eUHk/s400/IMG_3038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am so crazy about how it turned out, I have decided to make one for myself to put in our front living room. &nbsp;I have to get some barn wood (I hopefully can get more from that same barn), and I still haven't decided what I will paint on it, so if you have an inspirational quote or Bible verse that describes my life or family, let me know!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CqtzSGIcZsI/UPBhiGtAi1I/AAAAAAAACDQ/sU0uvKlv9Fo/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CqtzSGIcZsI/UPBhiGtAi1I/AAAAAAAACDQ/sU0uvKlv9Fo/s400/IMG_3034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-37764464222728530162013-01-11T11:46:00.003-06:002013-01-11T11:46:45.839-06:00Seth: Eight Months Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, this post is super old. &nbsp;I wrote it over a month ago (beginning of December), but I was having trouble with Blogger. &nbsp;It kept telling me I had exceeded my maximum photo storage. &nbsp;Today, when I went to buy more, I was nowhere near capacity. &nbsp;I'm not sure what happened, but it's time to play post catch-up again!!! &nbsp;Hooray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFTzBxE_70s/UPBO8NgOcUI/AAAAAAAAB_s/JanM8dzRaSU/s1600/IMG_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFTzBxE_70s/UPBO8NgOcUI/AAAAAAAAB_s/JanM8dzRaSU/s400/IMG_0723.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Sleeping Patterns:</b> Seth is still a good sleeper, and I think he'd be a <i>great</i> sleeper if he weren't still dealing with ear infections and teething. &nbsp;His schedule is a little different every day because his ears are disruptive - and because his brother and sister's schedules make consistency impossible - but he usually sleeps roughly twelve hours at night and takes about three long naps during the day. &nbsp;He takes one of his naps in the morning (depending on when he wakes up), he gets sleepy again between 12 and 1 PM, and then he takes one more, usually shorter power nap around dinnertime.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGN2uaHU6Bw/UPBO8fnr9LI/AAAAAAAAB_0/pUao8orhzwA/s1600/IMG_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGN2uaHU6Bw/UPBO8fnr9LI/AAAAAAAAB_0/pUao8orhzwA/s400/IMG_0725.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Eating Habits:</b> Eating has been the source of lots of frustration this past month. &nbsp;Although Seth is eating more than he was when he was exclusively nursing, we have discovered that he is allergic to both regular and soy formula. &nbsp;We have just transitioned him to Nutramigen and hope to see his allergy symptoms disappear in the next week.<br /><br /><b>Baby's Weight Gain:</b> We are finally gaining some weight! &nbsp;The last time I brought Seth in, he weighed over 17 pounds, which was great. &nbsp;I am looking forward to his weigh-in at the beginning of January.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI6pLATmRe0/UPBO8XEI5UI/AAAAAAAAB_w/1qVMSoCJ2fE/s1600/IMG_0726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zI6pLATmRe0/UPBO8XEI5UI/AAAAAAAAB_w/1qVMSoCJ2fE/s400/IMG_0726.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Accomplishments:</b> We have our first tooth today! &nbsp;This morning when I woke up and felt Seth's lower gums, I could feel a teeny, tiny rough spot, and upon examining it, I could see a sliver of white poking through. &nbsp;It looks like the tooth next door may not be far behind, either. &nbsp;Aside from that, Seth started saying, "duh" this past month. &nbsp;He really isn't babbling as much as I would like, but I think that is because he can't really hear me. <br /><br />Seth is army crawling much more proficiently. &nbsp;I can no longer leave him in one place or trust that he'll stay out of trouble. &nbsp;He has discovered cords, crumbs on the kitchen floor, and his sister's tiny toys. &nbsp;He has also started feeding himself puffs, and it is super fun to watch him try to get them out of his fist and into his mouth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCJtoZ1CUrw/UPBO9WHARZI/AAAAAAAACAE/hOm79f23aAs/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCJtoZ1CUrw/UPBO9WHARZI/AAAAAAAACAE/hOm79f23aAs/s400/IMG_0736.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Places We Went:</b> We took our annual trip to a Christmas tree farm to choose and chop down a tree. &nbsp;Seth also went to Cora's Christmas program, Brennan's performance at the Nolensville Christmas tree lighting, and he has been to many, many stores with me as I prepare for Christmas. &nbsp;:-)<br /><br /><b>Memorable Events or Holidays:</b> &nbsp;We celebrated a hectic and fun Thanksgiving with some friends. &nbsp;We had five adults and six kids in our house (ages 6, 4, 3, 3, 1, and 7 mos). &nbsp;Seth just hung out with people, sat in his high chair, and slept. &nbsp;He was a perfect baby, as usual.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwNhaUL9nhk/UPBO9BTQXbI/AAAAAAAAB_8/b26DiUMjNgc/s1600/IMG_0734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwNhaUL9nhk/UPBO9BTQXbI/AAAAAAAAB_8/b26DiUMjNgc/s400/IMG_0734.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(So, I know the photos in this post are blurry. &nbsp;No, it's not your eyes or your computer. &nbsp;I took the pics with my iPhone. &nbsp;Don't worry... I won't make that mistake again with the monthly photos!) :-)</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-24397829339296255322012-11-12T09:10:00.000-06:002012-11-12T12:53:32.536-06:00Seth: Seven Months OldI never posted about Seth turning half a year old. &nbsp;:-( &nbsp;Poor third child... I try so hard, but there just isn't as much of me to go around as there used to be.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj5jEj34K6I/UKEQEgXqcYI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/HWe07Uzok-o/s1600/100_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj5jEj34K6I/UKEQEgXqcYI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/HWe07Uzok-o/s400/100_2516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Sleeping Patterns: </b>Seth has had an ear infection for for about three weeks now, so his sleep has been disrupted. &nbsp;Unlike Cora, who used to wake every 2.5 - 3 hours with an ear infection, Seth only wakes once a night. &nbsp;Anyway, we are on our third antibiotic in an attempt to get rid of the infection. &nbsp;I'm really hoping this one does the trick because I'm tired of interrupted sleep, worrying about hearing and speech development, and changing dirty diapers a hundred times a day (courtesy of antibiotics).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KIGBxfFgeU/UKEQGeqMLXI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/8bIbrzW7xQw/s1600/100_2528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KIGBxfFgeU/UKEQGeqMLXI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/8bIbrzW7xQw/s400/100_2528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Eating Habits:</b>&nbsp; Seth has milk about five times a day, but he has had no interest in baby food for a month now. &nbsp;Foods that he used to like now have no appeal for him. &nbsp;In fact, when I come at his mouth with a spoon, he clamps his mouth shut and refuses to eat. &nbsp;It is upsetting and disturbing for me as his mom, even though I know that baby food for the first year is just "practice" and not a main source of nutrition or calories. &nbsp;We don't know if this change in appetite is due to the ear infections and just feeling bad, or if there is something else going on. &nbsp;For right now, my doctor said to just keep offering the food and we'll focus on getting rid of the infection before we tackle the food. &nbsp;(I will say that last night I got Seth to eat 3/4 of a container of carrots, so I am very hopeful that the new antibiotic is taking away ear pain and he'll start wanting food again.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63ssqvwSUBE/UKEQHRmn14I/AAAAAAAAB-g/bn4gUffRiaY/s1600/100_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63ssqvwSUBE/UKEQHRmn14I/AAAAAAAAB-g/bn4gUffRiaY/s400/100_2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Baby's Weight Gain:</b> &nbsp;This is a real area of concern. &nbsp;Not eating baby food is a worry because we don't understand why he doesn't want it, but milk is an even bigger issue. &nbsp;My body just isn't making enough, probably because Seth doesn't demand it. &nbsp;In other words, when I only have three ounces to give him, he happily stops eating and waits until the next feeding, which has taught my body to scale way back. &nbsp;At birth, Seth was in the 75th percentile for weight. &nbsp;At his three month appointment, he was in the 50th percentile, and at the six month appointment, he was in the 25th. &nbsp;When I brought him in for his ear infection after the sixth month, the downward trend had continued. &nbsp;Since then I have started supplementing with formula once a day, and this past weekend our pediatrician told me that I successfully stopped the downward trend, but now we need to work on trending back up. &nbsp;So, I need to give Seth formula 2 - 3 times a day. &nbsp;I am sad about it because I have actually enjoyed nursing this time around, and I could pump every few hours, drink water like a fish, and even take some herbs to try to build my supply back up, but honestly, I don't have it in me. &nbsp;If I can continue to give Seth some breast milk for a couple more weeks, I will have lasted for eight plus months, and I feel really good about that. &nbsp;Right now all I care about is making sure my baby is healthy, strong, and gaining weight, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WokQEngFVZs/UKEQIssIdBI/AAAAAAAAB-o/ZA8Ht842kEU/s1600/100_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WokQEngFVZs/UKEQIssIdBI/AAAAAAAAB-o/ZA8Ht842kEU/s400/100_2715.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Accomplishments:</b> &nbsp;Last night Seth army crawled / face planted his way across the floor a few feet to get a toy that he wanted. &nbsp;He is now up on his hands and knees, rocking back and forth before thrusting himself forward onto his face. &nbsp;It won't be long before he is all over the house, and it scares me! &nbsp;It is so convenient to set him down and know that I can walk away, but all of that is about to change!<br /><br /><b>Places We Went:</b> &nbsp;We went on vacation to Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbTHfS7bpQ/UKEQLPkrFkI/AAAAAAAAB-4/SYBFy50Jgdc/s1600/100_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbTHfS7bpQ/UKEQLPkrFkI/AAAAAAAAB-4/SYBFy50Jgdc/s400/100_2723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Memorable Events or Holidays:</b> &nbsp;We celebrated Halloween, and Seth had several cute outfits to wear in the days leading up to Candy Day. &nbsp;Other than that, it was like any other day for him since he is too little to partake.<br /><br />It is fun to see Seth coming into his own. &nbsp;He is smiling more spontaneously, reaching for everything around him, and showing some independence. &nbsp;He is still <i>crazy</i> laid back, but that just may be who God designed him to be. &nbsp;If I could describe Seth in one word, it would be <i>patient</i>. &nbsp;(It will be fun to read this post again in five, ten, and twenty years and see if that is still the case.) &nbsp;He is such a love.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3g5DTuAvk4/UKEQJ_re5OI/AAAAAAAAB-w/z9p8GOYg_8E/s1600/100_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3g5DTuAvk4/UKEQJ_re5OI/AAAAAAAAB-w/z9p8GOYg_8E/s320/100_2716.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-19957567720452859962012-11-09T08:41:00.002-06:002012-11-09T08:41:42.323-06:00Homemade HalloweenHalloween was more fun than ever this year!! &nbsp;For the first time, we had a very homemade Halloween!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtHNUJ527RM/UJz_bSOb6ZI/AAAAAAAAB3A/qhzPRioaeZQ/s1600/100_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtHNUJ527RM/UJz_bSOb6ZI/AAAAAAAAB3A/qhzPRioaeZQ/s400/100_2669.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />In the weeks leading up to Halloween, we enjoyed some fall activities, including a trip across the street &nbsp;to Hicklen Farm to buy our pumpkins. &nbsp;(I made Cora's dress and was really pleased with how it turned out.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NI3Vn-o73Bk/UJ0QIb-wroI/AAAAAAAAB9I/77V3aUEAprg/s1600/100_2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NI3Vn-o73Bk/UJ0QIb-wroI/AAAAAAAAB9I/77V3aUEAprg/s400/100_2547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owva47PGB48/UJ0QJvpkQsI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/ZlW6WxEkyXo/s1600/100_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owva47PGB48/UJ0QJvpkQsI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/ZlW6WxEkyXo/s400/100_2549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLHZTRKM1fw/UJ0QG84D1-I/AAAAAAAAB9A/6erWd_Q3zpc/s1600/100_2544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLHZTRKM1fw/UJ0QG84D1-I/AAAAAAAAB9A/6erWd_Q3zpc/s320/100_2544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also got a little crafty when it was my turn to provide snacks after the soccer game a few days before Halloween. &nbsp;We had Hershey bars left over from s'mores on our vacation, so here is what I did: (Thanks, Pinterest!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36LxOfoiAQw/UJ0AFzKyBSI/AAAAAAAAB6I/aYHHEGFGuC8/s1600/Image+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36LxOfoiAQw/UJ0AFzKyBSI/AAAAAAAAB6I/aYHHEGFGuC8/s400/Image+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />For costumes this year, I made two out of the three. &nbsp;(Seth's $6 penguin costume was a no-brainer.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mW6JmumF6NE/UJz_js17J5I/AAAAAAAAB34/NJ6Jb-gONpU/s1600/100_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mW6JmumF6NE/UJz_js17J5I/AAAAAAAAB34/NJ6Jb-gONpU/s400/100_2692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cora had a costume parade at school, and she was a little unsure of herself, but she came around and ended up having a good time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSoQkoy-w0E/UJz_eyOQ6yI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/y9JxntaNBZI/s1600/100_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSoQkoy-w0E/UJz_eyOQ6yI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/y9JxntaNBZI/s400/100_2678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqL3YuEBkic/UJz_gNgejvI/AAAAAAAAB3g/BL6caU5nL7U/s1600/100_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqL3YuEBkic/UJz_gNgejvI/AAAAAAAAB3g/BL6caU5nL7U/s400/100_2684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also went trick-or-treating at Dave Ramsey's office (daddy's work), as always, and that was a lot of fun, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pW324k4WMc0/UJz_l413RUI/AAAAAAAAB4I/j5jl5Yx3r6s/s1600/100_2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pW324k4WMc0/UJz_l413RUI/AAAAAAAAB4I/j5jl5Yx3r6s/s400/100_2696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not a fan of the ghouls and goblins, but as long as we can keep Halloween focused on candy, costumes, and creative fun, we are golden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvV7ApMMkRk/UJz_iRWLvXI/AAAAAAAAB3w/1Q5qr0ivqlg/s1600/100_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvV7ApMMkRk/UJz_iRWLvXI/AAAAAAAAB3w/1Q5qr0ivqlg/s400/100_2689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoMzxCllHmU/UJ0RJRnlB8I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lKA-Y1BtvY0/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoMzxCllHmU/UJ0RJRnlB8I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lKA-Y1BtvY0/s400/IMG_0593.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is my second post for today. &nbsp;If you missed the post on our <a href="http://lissalaneous.blogspot.com/2012/11/mountain-magic-our-2012-vacation.html">vacation</a>, be sure to check it out!)</span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-16200895755716259972012-11-09T08:33:00.000-06:002012-11-09T08:33:54.294-06:00Mountain Magic: Our 2012 Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZApqpdcVkE/UJ0AI-L-KuI/AAAAAAAAB6g/W8KGN7mAgUY/s1600/Image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZApqpdcVkE/UJ0AI-L-KuI/AAAAAAAAB6g/W8KGN7mAgUY/s400/Image+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Last month we had an amazing trip to Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge for a family vacation. &nbsp;Jim and I went with the kids, my in-laws, my sister, and her fiance, and we rented a big cabin in the mountains for five days of non-stop fun and adventure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aR-vnwZfZmo/UJ0AG55j_oI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/_-ldIscN9Vo/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aR-vnwZfZmo/UJ0AG55j_oI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/_-ldIscN9Vo/s400/Image+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We have never had a real family vacation before, but last Christmas, Dave Ramsey gave all of his employees money to be used for a vacation in 2012, as well as two extra vacation days. &nbsp;Since I was pregnant for the first part of the year and then had a newborn for a while, we thought that an October trip would be the perfect time to go.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXSkVxyHYpc/UJz-_y3FBpI/AAAAAAAAB1o/pzQMdtikQ1o/s1600/100_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXSkVxyHYpc/UJz-_y3FBpI/AAAAAAAAB1o/pzQMdtikQ1o/s400/100_2589.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />And it was. &nbsp;It was perfect.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjLVs5VKfrw/UJ0DhFZuEpI/AAAAAAAAB7w/YQZv1zpUHLM/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjLVs5VKfrw/UJ0DhFZuEpI/AAAAAAAAB7w/YQZv1zpUHLM/s400/IMG_0526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The weather was <i>stunningly</i> beautiful! &nbsp; I recently had a friend say, "Of all of the Melissas I know, I think Fall Melissa is the happiest." &nbsp;I don't think I have a split personality, but I would definitely agree that I am the happiest in October. &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;Fall is absolutely my favorite time of year, especially when I am in the mountains with my family and the trees are at their peak and the weather is textbook perfect and I get to see my kids laugh and play and try new things. &nbsp;(Yes, my joy is worthy of a run-on sentence.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0V0bWgLAeWU/UJ0DYIobOjI/AAAAAAAAB7o/VOi_ETMlpsI/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0V0bWgLAeWU/UJ0DYIobOjI/AAAAAAAAB7o/VOi_ETMlpsI/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />On the first day we left early in the morning and drove straight there, stopping at Ripley's Aquarium before heading to the cabin. &nbsp;Gatlinburg, though a tourist town, was ridiculously charming with all of the fall color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XphjHhiWng/UJ0DkZb-3SI/AAAAAAAAB8A/tFkbywnxySE/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XphjHhiWng/UJ0DkZb-3SI/AAAAAAAAB8A/tFkbywnxySE/s400/IMG_0535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The kids had an awesome time at the aquarium. &nbsp;I am not a huge aquarium person myself, but it really is a great aquarium. &nbsp;I enjoyed myself thoroughly just watching my kids have so much fun!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygnU3XJ2Nys/UJ0Di31eJcI/AAAAAAAAB74/Fb1KDSOxlO4/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygnU3XJ2Nys/UJ0Di31eJcI/AAAAAAAAB74/Fb1KDSOxlO4/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4YJ3Bfa5Mw/UJz-1RBkmDI/AAAAAAAAB04/1OjoT2bNdqs/s1600/100_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4YJ3Bfa5Mw/UJz-1RBkmDI/AAAAAAAAB04/1OjoT2bNdqs/s400/100_2559.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBgSt_eJ1HQ/UJz-26A34BI/AAAAAAAAB1A/mg408vWf7EY/s1600/100_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBgSt_eJ1HQ/UJz-26A34BI/AAAAAAAAB1A/mg408vWf7EY/s400/100_2563.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxWRcRpo680/UJz-6QAUe2I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/ANDSpOnliu8/s1600/100_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxWRcRpo680/UJz-6QAUe2I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/ANDSpOnliu8/s400/100_2568.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After we left the aquarium, we headed to find our cabin. &nbsp;When we finally located it, we walked in the door, and the view straight to the back looks like this!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVKCHv6hkKM/UJ0DmFw9n9I/AAAAAAAAB8I/j-GauR3CE_Y/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IVKCHv6hkKM/UJ0DmFw9n9I/AAAAAAAAB8I/j-GauR3CE_Y/s400/IMG_0537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The kids had a blast running around and checking out every room including their room with bunk beds and their own bathroom! &nbsp;Between that, the theater room, and a pool table, Brennan was in heaven!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME_Bzm5FnxY/UJ0Duf5f9oI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/aqEORyHejnQ/s1600/IMG_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME_Bzm5FnxY/UJ0Duf5f9oI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/aqEORyHejnQ/s400/IMG_0538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />On day 2 we went hiking. &nbsp;We decided to go check out Laurel Falls, and it was the perfect hike for our family. &nbsp;It was by no means a leisurely stroll, and although I could have handled more without kids, it was as long and hard as we dared let it be with three little ones. &nbsp;They had a ball.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGZMdUY1uGg/UJz_3QZU4iI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/9SqelliSfVI/s1600/IMG_0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGZMdUY1uGg/UJz_3QZU4iI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/9SqelliSfVI/s400/IMG_0544.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />I wore Seth the whole way up while everyone else took turns with Brennan and Cora. &nbsp;On the way down, Cora got "sleepy" and I carried her the whole. way. down. &nbsp;:-)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHwokaMg8L0/UJ0AK5ZwZiI/AAAAAAAAB6w/4NKwWsiRmII/s1600/Image+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nHwokaMg8L0/UJ0AK5ZwZiI/AAAAAAAAB6w/4NKwWsiRmII/s400/Image+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Bxl-ogw2pE/UJ0AH612vXI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/phrW7PVzWBA/s1600/Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Bxl-ogw2pE/UJ0AH612vXI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/phrW7PVzWBA/s400/Image+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD3Q0IHUMp0/UJz_1HfEsMI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/NzHbZGNp0kc/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RD3Q0IHUMp0/UJz_1HfEsMI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/NzHbZGNp0kc/s400/IMG_0543.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---DRvqOYxkw/UJz-8ZLMuMI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/Ohmjrpbrhu4/s1600/100_2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/---DRvqOYxkw/UJz-8ZLMuMI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/Ohmjrpbrhu4/s400/100_2585.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ki2-z5g57w/UJz_FFStxMI/AAAAAAAAB1w/d6IAOVC9oHs/s1600/100_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ki2-z5g57w/UJz_FFStxMI/AAAAAAAAB1w/d6IAOVC9oHs/s400/100_2598.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I enjoyed the hike tremendously, and if we had been able to spend another few days in town, I would have gone on another one without the kids. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MZ80fFxzTU/UJz_IuhtflI/AAAAAAAAB2A/JqB8gXtrlv8/s1600/100_2624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--MZ80fFxzTU/UJz_IuhtflI/AAAAAAAAB2A/JqB8gXtrlv8/s400/100_2624.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We had planned to spend the third day fishing, but we weren't sure about getting separate licenses and trying to find a place to fish. &nbsp;Jenny and Kenny had suggested a place they saw advertised with a stocked pond because it did not require a license, and we thought it sounded like a good idea. &nbsp;We had no idea what a good idea it would turn out to be! &nbsp;This place was fantastic!! &nbsp;We spent the whole day there, and it was positively glorious.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTsNkqPDwvQ/UJz_G4D4HOI/AAAAAAAAB14/SR25G_aLOSY/s1600/100_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTsNkqPDwvQ/UJz_G4D4HOI/AAAAAAAAB14/SR25G_aLOSY/s400/100_2614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb1Wzr12wpQ/UJz_OJZcAGI/AAAAAAAAB2I/d3yFczIArXQ/s1600/100_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb1Wzr12wpQ/UJz_OJZcAGI/AAAAAAAAB2I/d3yFczIArXQ/s400/100_2625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />For the first hour or so, we fished.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1W7Gma3y7eU/UJ0AE6-dFLI/AAAAAAAAB6A/Ef3PcaCS9XU/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1W7Gma3y7eU/UJ0AE6-dFLI/AAAAAAAAB6A/Ef3PcaCS9XU/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After that, Jim, Jenny, and I went on an hour-long horseback ride up a mountain while the kids stayed behind and "mined for gems" (sifted a pre-purchased bag of stuff), played on a playground, enjoyed the lake, and even played in a stream. &nbsp;It was like a slice of heaven on earth. &nbsp;It was beautiful, it was tranquil, it was quiet, and it was back-to-basics fun. &nbsp;I would highly recommend <a href="http://www.ponderosahorseriding.com/index.html">Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa</a> if you are looking for a quiet, beautiful escape in the middle of Pigeon Forge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9AoKdJ-nQQ/UJz_Su-uEfI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/EJoDKiQHl-g/s1600/100_2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9AoKdJ-nQQ/UJz_Su-uEfI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/EJoDKiQHl-g/s400/100_2641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VTHc2PVUsM/UJz_V_PsCiI/AAAAAAAAB2g/aiBWuhQi358/s1600/100_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8VTHc2PVUsM/UJz_V_PsCiI/AAAAAAAAB2g/aiBWuhQi358/s400/100_2648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw2d085p8tY/UJz_Y6-oumI/AAAAAAAAB2w/oKnrLnvefo0/s1600/100_2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hw2d085p8tY/UJz_Y6-oumI/AAAAAAAAB2w/oKnrLnvefo0/s400/100_2663.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Our last day was spent at Dollywood. &nbsp;I was looking forward to riding some roller coasters, but I did not <i>dream</i> that I would have so much fun!! &nbsp;Dollywood is the best family amusement park I have ever been to (well, besides Disney, obviously). &nbsp;First of all, it is so, so pretty, nestled in the middle of the mountains. &nbsp;Plus, there is something for every age! &nbsp;The kids started out in the children's rides, and both kids really gained courage with each ride. &nbsp;By the end of the day, Brennan had gone on almost every ride in the park, including upside down roller coasters!!!!! &nbsp;My little boy, who is so afraid of everything new, was so excited, so confident, and so willing to try new things, it actually brought tears to my eyes. &nbsp;It was one of my proudest moments. &nbsp;I never wanted the day to end.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3KseGtLMG0/UJ0ACbVeCNI/AAAAAAAAB5w/cBUSAaUP9H0/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3KseGtLMG0/UJ0ACbVeCNI/AAAAAAAAB5w/cBUSAaUP9H0/s400/IMG_0560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ik-SqUemKA/UJ0AD6htlFI/AAAAAAAAB54/EsqqOBwKFHE/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ik-SqUemKA/UJ0AD6htlFI/AAAAAAAAB54/EsqqOBwKFHE/s400/IMG_0562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9NHQRs7jD4/UJz_6QTAkNI/AAAAAAAAB5o/T9Hb24dJn10/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A9NHQRs7jD4/UJz_6QTAkNI/AAAAAAAAB5o/T9Hb24dJn10/s400/IMG_0557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On the last morning, Jenny and I stopped on the way out of town to purchase cowboy boots. &nbsp;There was a store that had a "buy 1 pair, get 2 pairs free" sign, so we split the cost of two pairs and got Cora a pair as a bonus. &nbsp;I have always wanted cowboy boots!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI7Sx4EYigU/UJ0RtexIhPI/AAAAAAAAB9g/iZhFu-CX7lY/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI7Sx4EYigU/UJ0RtexIhPI/AAAAAAAAB9g/iZhFu-CX7lY/s320/IMG_0589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The trip wasn't without its share of meltdowns (mostly due to overstimulation, exhaustion, and adjustment to life in a different place), but for a trip with three small children, it was truly perfect. &nbsp;I sent Dave a thank-you note, and I meant it from the bottom of my heart. &nbsp;Of all of the Christmas presents he could have given to our family this year, this one will stay with us the longest. &nbsp;It was very special.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMPxMHvgCFk/UJ0AL4GfwWI/AAAAAAAAB64/2U6j7d5rxoY/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMPxMHvgCFk/UJ0AL4GfwWI/AAAAAAAAB64/2U6j7d5rxoY/s400/Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-23408875023215446172012-10-12T12:48:00.000-05:002012-10-12T12:48:53.675-05:00Cora is Three!My baby girl turned three a week and a half ago. &nbsp;How is that possible? &nbsp;This little one, who started out so colicky and miserable...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SodjpiGDD0E/UHhVeQOEAEI/AAAAAAAABz8/k-i7E7OFwwE/s1600/r42cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SodjpiGDD0E/UHhVeQOEAEI/AAAAAAAABz8/k-i7E7OFwwE/s400/r42cd.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />... is now so full of joy and energy. &nbsp;Her vocabulary and verbal skills are second-to-none, and she has a contagious smile. &nbsp;She wins over most anyone who knows her with her hilarious speech and beautiful personality.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaaZW1XDXAU/UHhV-_R9oNI/AAAAAAAAB0E/oBXnpCgHj2I/s1600/IMG_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaaZW1XDXAU/UHhV-_R9oNI/AAAAAAAAB0E/oBXnpCgHj2I/s400/IMG_0365.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><br />Here is a little glimpse into Cora's world at age three:<br /><br />Cora Loves...<br /><br /><ul><li>purple and pink</li><li>Caillou</li><li>Hello Kitty and princess paraphernalia</li><li>her stuffed piggy and elephant, "Ellie"</li><li>peanut butter and jelly (every. single. day.)</li><li>nail polish and lip gloss</li><li>painting</li><li>dancing</li><li>playing "I Spy" in the car</li><li>seeing her friends - especially her best friends from church</li></ul><br /><br />On Cora's birthday, she woke up to find pink and purple decorations greeting her at the breakfast table. &nbsp;I always hang balloons and put down a tablecloth for the kids' birthdays, and this year, when Cora came downstairs and said, "Wow! &nbsp;Thank you, Mommy, for doing this for me! &nbsp;I love it!" &nbsp;I knew it had been worth it to get up while it was still dark and hang balloons. &nbsp;:-)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGd2G8iJ9hQ/UHhTlKpNbEI/AAAAAAAABy8/AM5Ehv5V7Qk/s1600/100_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGd2G8iJ9hQ/UHhTlKpNbEI/AAAAAAAABy8/AM5Ehv5V7Qk/s400/100_2447.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since we couldn't enjoy any family festivities until after Daddy and Brennan got home from school, Grandma and I decided to take Cora for a haircut and some pampering!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KC5C5T0F2bo/UHhTmpnM0cI/AAAAAAAABzE/nAWV3pOvfok/s1600/100_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KC5C5T0F2bo/UHhTmpnM0cI/AAAAAAAABzE/nAWV3pOvfok/s400/100_2450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Aednj9iMqc/UHhTnmoWfzI/AAAAAAAABzM/0uzSQWLxu5U/s1600/100_2458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Aednj9iMqc/UHhTnmoWfzI/AAAAAAAABzM/0uzSQWLxu5U/s400/100_2458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Word to the wise: &nbsp;NEVER pay to have your daughter's hair curled at Snip-Its. &nbsp;They did a great job, but if you really feel the need to spend obscene amounts of money on a hairdo, come see me. &nbsp;I'd be happy to curl your child's hair for you!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>In the afternoon, we had planned to go to a local pumpkin patch for hayrides, corn mazes, and more, but it rained. &nbsp;:-( &nbsp;Instead, we went with Cora's two best friends and their brothers to Monkey Joe's for some good, basic jumping.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ptJb_4T1mk/UHhTpRvOewI/AAAAAAAABzU/6uy7m6Y2xC0/s1600/100_2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ptJb_4T1mk/UHhTpRvOewI/AAAAAAAABzU/6uy7m6Y2xC0/s400/100_2468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cora was given her first ever "My Little Pony" set. &nbsp;She loves those ponies more than any toy in our house right now. &nbsp;I wish so much I had thought to get a picture of Cora with Joshua and Dylan, but I didn't. &nbsp;I was too busy staying flexible with the changes our day brought.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After we left Monkey Joe's, we went home for cupcakes and family presents.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QMS_cZIfho/UHhTqb4qtxI/AAAAAAAABzc/M214mcyYNR8/s1600/100_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5QMS_cZIfho/UHhTqb4qtxI/AAAAAAAABzc/M214mcyYNR8/s400/100_2474.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf6RvW5FMtE/UHhTr6kdZkI/AAAAAAAABzk/08Pu2YPWEAk/s1600/100_2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf6RvW5FMtE/UHhTr6kdZkI/AAAAAAAABzk/08Pu2YPWEAk/s400/100_2478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDyynH1rhVc/UHhTtIgAZpI/AAAAAAAABzs/QgHw6RovXvo/s1600/100_2482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDyynH1rhVc/UHhTtIgAZpI/AAAAAAAABzs/QgHw6RovXvo/s400/100_2482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The big gift of the night was the only one she cared about. &nbsp;Cora has been asking for months for a "big girl bike." &nbsp;The neat thing is, she didn't demand it or even act disappointed when the bike didn't make its appearance until the end of the night. &nbsp;It made it all the sweeter to see her face when she finally got on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Biz5Bi-9x2o/UHhTuJcdHEI/AAAAAAAABz0/heipqkEQf_o/s1600/100_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Biz5Bi-9x2o/UHhTuJcdHEI/AAAAAAAABz0/heipqkEQf_o/s400/100_2497.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all, it was a very fun day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Cora Katherine, you are a gift from God. &nbsp;We love your girly ways and your big, cheesy grin. &nbsp;We love the way you pray to God to make people feel better and the way you try to take care of your brothers and friends. &nbsp;Your songs delight us, your stories amuse us, your speech baffles us, and your heart captures us. &nbsp;Happy three years, precious girl.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-77116349296790961922012-10-12T11:54:00.002-05:002012-10-12T11:54:43.208-05:00Blogging is Like LaundryYes, you read that right. &nbsp;Blogging is like laundry. &nbsp;If I don't keep up, I get overwhelmed, and the thought of doing it becomes more and more daunting. &nbsp;Well, today is my catch up day. &nbsp;I'm going to write as many posts as I can bang out. &nbsp;Get ready for an influx of posts! &nbsp;:-)<br /><br />Today's post is dedicated to all of the little things in our life over the past month. &nbsp;In this month we have...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoyed Brennan's soccer games:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o227qx1VZcc/UHhCa0kxoUI/AAAAAAAABu8/-Ny2GGZRX_c/s1600/100_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o227qx1VZcc/UHhCa0kxoUI/AAAAAAAABu8/-Ny2GGZRX_c/s400/100_2361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SToCmGMR8Zw/UHhCgZvKSBI/AAAAAAAABvE/6WPclpzqXQ0/s1600/100_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SToCmGMR8Zw/UHhCgZvKSBI/AAAAAAAABvE/6WPclpzqXQ0/s400/100_2362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx1gMuzARqA/UHhCjRrbC5I/AAAAAAAABvM/hF9WSRrwYLY/s1600/100_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx1gMuzARqA/UHhCjRrbC5I/AAAAAAAABvM/hF9WSRrwYLY/s400/100_2363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Brennan is number 3)</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Introduced solids to Seth:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KtTe-Ujz0c/UHhC8m6aazI/AAAAAAAABvU/e1ens3vyO1M/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KtTe-Ujz0c/UHhC8m6aazI/AAAAAAAABvU/e1ens3vyO1M/s400/IMG_0379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(this was our first breakfast with all three kids at the table!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wU4i3uafTNg/UHhC9gI0s5I/AAAAAAAABvc/53ooXGpaNyQ/s1600/IMG_0386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wU4i3uafTNg/UHhC9gI0s5I/AAAAAAAABvc/53ooXGpaNyQ/s400/IMG_0386.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Improved Cora's cooking skills with the help of Grandma and Daddy:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbQfSJ-Vx88/UHhDqix73WI/AAAAAAAABvk/w_b6M428vAc/s1600/IMG_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LbQfSJ-Vx88/UHhDqix73WI/AAAAAAAABvk/w_b6M428vAc/s400/IMG_0389.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QlhI43ysS0/UHhDsO3TNmI/AAAAAAAABvs/AM01SJqUUkw/s1600/IMG_0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0QlhI43ysS0/UHhDsO3TNmI/AAAAAAAABvs/AM01SJqUUkw/s400/IMG_0392.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvrp9Io0PCo/UHhDthuRUXI/AAAAAAAABv0/tInxvfB7ij8/s1600/IMG_0393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvrp9Io0PCo/UHhDthuRUXI/AAAAAAAABv0/tInxvfB7ij8/s400/IMG_0393.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Spent some time on the phone with Nana:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPl_63qxQkU/UHhDuy-sRaI/AAAAAAAABv8/So8eltNzavU/s1600/IMG_0394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPl_63qxQkU/UHhDuy-sRaI/AAAAAAAABv8/So8eltNzavU/s400/IMG_0394.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Read lots and lots of books:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLQov_3f7W8/UHhLH1vRKYI/AAAAAAAAByQ/nWNZmC6TZFY/s1600/100_2445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLQov_3f7W8/UHhLH1vRKYI/AAAAAAAAByQ/nWNZmC6TZFY/s400/100_2445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And taken our annual apple-picking trip:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPfDn3GA3ZY/UHhIUS8VrgI/AAAAAAAABws/2_gtWiNbnSw/s1600/100_2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPfDn3GA3ZY/UHhIUS8VrgI/AAAAAAAABws/2_gtWiNbnSw/s400/100_2377.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0B2qBp4p2m0/UHhIWC3P_UI/AAAAAAAABw0/oV2vK4yKWBs/s1600/100_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0B2qBp4p2m0/UHhIWC3P_UI/AAAAAAAABw0/oV2vK4yKWBs/s400/100_2378.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLPlpx_HOpE/UHhIX8QvqJI/AAAAAAAABw8/Tv5DbWAt8Gc/s1600/100_2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLPlpx_HOpE/UHhIX8QvqJI/AAAAAAAABw8/Tv5DbWAt8Gc/s400/100_2381.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5dDEVn2AAY/UHhIZnUpMjI/AAAAAAAABxE/Xp3SQWsxi2o/s1600/100_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5dDEVn2AAY/UHhIZnUpMjI/AAAAAAAABxE/Xp3SQWsxi2o/s400/100_2384.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydDcvFCvAgE/UHhIbWXqLxI/AAAAAAAABxM/g-pRm2-8ndY/s1600/100_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydDcvFCvAgE/UHhIbWXqLxI/AAAAAAAABxM/g-pRm2-8ndY/s400/100_2388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4BUD5i92bA/UHhIdekmQGI/AAAAAAAABxU/XGYjTXkI_M8/s1600/100_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4BUD5i92bA/UHhIdekmQGI/AAAAAAAABxU/XGYjTXkI_M8/s400/100_2391.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fd8TU5TeGeo/UHhIeilqLwI/AAAAAAAABxc/5OOrC_hiS_E/s1600/100_2395+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fd8TU5TeGeo/UHhIeilqLwI/AAAAAAAABxc/5OOrC_hiS_E/s400/100_2395+-+Version+2.JPG" width="290" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_iq2sTDuC0/UHhIgEzAUiI/AAAAAAAABxk/A0rxjP_0sIA/s1600/100_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_iq2sTDuC0/UHhIgEzAUiI/AAAAAAAABxk/A0rxjP_0sIA/s400/100_2399.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgeC5XMHIDY/UHhIS9jxLZI/AAAAAAAABwk/Pzm4k0CfJBM/s1600/100_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgeC5XMHIDY/UHhIS9jxLZI/AAAAAAAABwk/Pzm4k0CfJBM/s400/100_2372.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, with my first "load" done, I am going to go have some lunch! &nbsp;:-)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-72190110399636495382012-09-15T10:55:00.000-05:002012-09-15T10:55:26.909-05:00Organizing Tips and Tricks for Life with Little KidsI have always loved to organize. &nbsp;When I was a teenager, I used to combat stress by cleaning and organizing my walk-in-closet. &nbsp;I guess it's how I'm hard-wired. &nbsp;Now that I'm an adult, I still love to organize, but I have a lot more real estate and more people to think about. &nbsp;I always ask myself, "Will this make my life easier, make my kids more independent, &nbsp;or make our family happier in some way?" &nbsp;I'm always looking for simple solutions to accomplish those goals.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5AMFQzXxhI/UFSjtXok_eI/AAAAAAAABuM/VovX0QTOmEg/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5AMFQzXxhI/UFSjtXok_eI/AAAAAAAABuM/VovX0QTOmEg/s400/IMG_0345.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />If you have little kids and are looking for some organization strategies of your own, here are four things to think about:<br /><b><br /></b> <b>Think about height.</b><br />Little people are... well... little! &nbsp;They can't - and shouldn't - be expected to thrive in an adult-sized house all the time. &nbsp;Of course, you can have step stools all over your home, but how much easier would it be to just bring things to the kids' level? &nbsp;In our house, we've done that in a few key areas:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Bathroom:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrHhUviwVfs/UFOYlOm19lI/AAAAAAAABsE/4uAd1f6RDos/s1600/100_2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SrHhUviwVfs/UFOYlOm19lI/AAAAAAAABsE/4uAd1f6RDos/s400/100_2355.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Instead of hoping that kids will fold and rehang their towels on a towel bar, we moved the towel bar over the toilet for guests to use and gave each of the kids their own hook at an age-appropriate level. &nbsp;(I specifically chose to have the bead board go high enough to make the towels fit on it and not puddle on the floor.) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foC-4x2WCbI/UFOYni91VDI/AAAAAAAABsU/4mJMhQ0H6WY/s1600/100_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foC-4x2WCbI/UFOYni91VDI/AAAAAAAABsU/4mJMhQ0H6WY/s320/100_2357.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEC9LSieMl8/UFOYpFNg6JI/AAAAAAAABsc/CCu05tqtUfI/s1600/100_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEC9LSieMl8/UFOYpFNg6JI/AAAAAAAABsc/CCu05tqtUfI/s320/100_2358.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />We also removed stress by having custom towels made with built-in, embroidered hangers, so the towels don't keep falling on the floor.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Kitchen:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeITBXJFlrQ/UFOYeUdf5fI/AAAAAAAABrc/6nwFmbzskMs/s1600/100_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeITBXJFlrQ/UFOYeUdf5fI/AAAAAAAABrc/6nwFmbzskMs/s400/100_2350.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We special ordered sliding drawers for a low cabinet close to the kitchen table, giving the kids independence in getting cups, bowls, and plates. &nbsp;It was expensive, but hear me say that it was worth. every. penny.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Closet:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxFgNY8b-ns/UFOYgNbhHeI/AAAAAAAABrs/M5JHmGUNOQo/s1600/100_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CxFgNY8b-ns/UFOYgNbhHeI/AAAAAAAABrs/M5JHmGUNOQo/s320/100_2352.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Command hooks are your friend. &nbsp;Your children aren't going to be able to hang things on hangers high up in closets, but they can be expected to hang up coats or bags on hooks at their own level.<br /><br /><b>Think about where you use things.</b><br /><b><br /></b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buQyY7HJKLg/UFOYfM_5R4I/AAAAAAAABrk/63_gJTKdW-8/s1600/100_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buQyY7HJKLg/UFOYfM_5R4I/AAAAAAAABrk/63_gJTKdW-8/s400/100_2351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><br /></b> Keep things close to where you actually use them. &nbsp;If you always get a glass out of the cupboard and pour a drink, don't keep the glasses across the room from your refrigerator. &nbsp;The same goes for kid and baby items.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKYHKJa9kkE/UFOYiifSq8I/AAAAAAAABr0/r5uL5mc5kuo/s1600/100_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKYHKJa9kkE/UFOYiifSq8I/AAAAAAAABr0/r5uL5mc5kuo/s400/100_2353.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />All of our bedrooms are upstairs, and I have no interest in trekking upstairs every time I need to change a diaper. &nbsp;Instead, I set up a diapering cupboard in our family room, and probably 80% of our diaper changes occur right here on the floor (on a changing mat, of course). &nbsp;I have been changing diapers in front of this cupboard - in multiple houses - for six and a half years now and my whole extended family knows just where to find spare wipes or clean diapers when they come visit.<br /><br /><b>Think about reality.</b><br />I wish my stairs wouldn't always have stuff on them, but they just do. &nbsp;It's reality in a house with five people. &nbsp;Instead of denying it, I decided to embrace it and buy stair baskets. &nbsp;We have one for each kid and one for Jim and me together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI1kbMHOn3M/UFOYj7sqHNI/AAAAAAAABr8/ckZEWVHeb0k/s1600/100_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI1kbMHOn3M/UFOYj7sqHNI/AAAAAAAABr8/ckZEWVHeb0k/s400/100_2354.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Someday I will actually print and laminate the name labels for these baskets!)</div><br />Another reality I have embraced is that my kids do not outgrow their clothes all in one night. &nbsp;They gradually outgrow them one item - or several items(!) - at a time, and I don't want to keep hanging them back up and forgetting that they are too small. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VclIFfhin-Y/UEoUx4h2xbI/AAAAAAAABow/uRDAJUz_oks/s1600/100_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VclIFfhin-Y/UEoUx4h2xbI/AAAAAAAABow/uRDAJUz_oks/s400/100_2327.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In each kid's closet I have a large Tupperware container. &nbsp;When someone outgrows something I fold it and move it straight into their container. &nbsp;When the container is full, I label it with the clothing size, put it in storage, and start a new container.<br /><br /><b>Think about routines.</b><br />Sometimes having places for things make no difference if you don't <i>train</i> your family to properly use them. &nbsp;In our house, we have <i>lots</i> of routines. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1qSr1L13M/UFOhaL37TOI/AAAAAAAABtU/TibyQXm3WrQ/s1600/100_2415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1qSr1L13M/UFOhaL37TOI/AAAAAAAABtU/TibyQXm3WrQ/s400/100_2415.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I have a few routines just for me that help me to stay sane. &nbsp;One is my laundry routine. &nbsp;I don't always do things the same way, but what I have found works best for me is when I put a load of laundry in <i>right</i> before bed, move it to the dryer first thing in the morning (I'm talking maybe seven or eight hours in the washing machine... certainly not enough time for mildew to grow), and fold it as soon as possible. &nbsp;Sometimes I don't actually get to put it away until after dinner, but at least it's clean and wrinkle-free. &nbsp;If I do a load this way every day it takes minimal time and keeps me from doing ten loads on weekends.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7acxC-xhfTo/UFOYq8KE_lI/AAAAAAAABsk/w4BhLHwPVNo/s1600/100_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7acxC-xhfTo/UFOYq8KE_lI/AAAAAAAABsk/w4BhLHwPVNo/s320/100_2359.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Speaking of laundry and routines, I have a great system in Brennan's room for his clothes. &nbsp;I bought one of these hanging closet things, and I put his clothes in it for six days at a time. &nbsp;He knows he should always take from the top and work his way down. &nbsp;I thought about labeling each one with a day of the week and doubling up weekends in the last one, but so far it hasn't been necessary. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQf0GAgavu8/UFOYsIzSbpI/AAAAAAAABss/LgYSwLnZ8fc/s1600/100_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQf0GAgavu8/UFOYsIzSbpI/AAAAAAAABss/LgYSwLnZ8fc/s320/100_2360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />If we have a special event or soccer practice, I put the uniform/swimming trunks, etc. into the right slot along with his clothes, and it helps to remind him that things are coming up. &nbsp;The best part of this system is Brennan doesn't come in my bedroom when I'm bleary-eyed to inform me that he has no clean underwear or to ask me, "What matches my blue shark shirt?" &nbsp;He can just get dressed with no fuss and no problem.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFwoC248Iqs/UFSjH4jrlpI/AAAAAAAABuE/RWV6OCfoN-k/s1600/IMG_0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SFwoC248Iqs/UFSjH4jrlpI/AAAAAAAABuE/RWV6OCfoN-k/s400/IMG_0299.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />I am also trying to get better about packing lunches in advance. &nbsp;I'm bad about this, but I think that when dinner is cleaned up and the kids are in bed, the last thing I want to do is make another mess or prepare another meal. &nbsp;Anyway, when I can get motivated, I sometimes make several lunches at one time. &nbsp;I use these awesome Ziploc containers and stack them in the refrigerator. &nbsp;They fit in the kids' lunch boxes, and the compartments individually seal, so things don't get soggy! &nbsp;If there is something I can't add until the morning of, I put a note on the container.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkq9z-yBNss/UFSjFfnaDtI/AAAAAAAABt8/OjqVx5H-bnU/s1600/IMG_0298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lkq9z-yBNss/UFSjFfnaDtI/AAAAAAAABt8/OjqVx5H-bnU/s320/IMG_0298.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />So, I promised a little sneak peek into my organization tricks, and now you've seen a few of my favorites. &nbsp;I want to give a little disclaimer and say that I don't think a single thing I do is original. &nbsp;I don't think I have brilliant, creative, one-of-a-kind strategies, but then again, does anyone? &nbsp;I mean, don't we all just kind of take the things that work for us? &nbsp; Anyhow, I can't give credit to everyone whose ideas I have stolen because half the time I don't know where I have gotten them, but I don't have some crazy notion that I'm just so smart. &nbsp;I'm only sharing this stuff in the hopes that it will help someone else's life to be a more efficient or a little less stressful. &nbsp;Let me know if you adopt any of these strategies in your home!!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-31182401498460920972012-09-08T09:54:00.000-05:002012-09-08T09:54:05.208-05:00Seth: Five Months Old<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azdHsrcSa-k/UEtZcxN5b5I/AAAAAAAABqc/KRafmVXHxt4/s1600/100_2344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azdHsrcSa-k/UEtZcxN5b5I/AAAAAAAABqc/KRafmVXHxt4/s400/100_2344.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Sleeping Patterns:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth sleeps from about 7:00 PM (give or take a half hour) until I wake him around 5:30 or 6:00 to eat, and then he goes back to sleep until around 8:15 AM. &nbsp;He is awake for a couple of hours, takes a morning nap until lunch time (roughly 10 AM until 12 PM, though our schedule makes it hard to know how consistent this actually is), and goes back down around 1:30 for a long afternoon nap. &nbsp;The little boy likes to sleep, and he really wants to do it in his crib. &nbsp;If we are out running around during nap time, he protests loudly.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McDpTKtlDq8/UEtZcJQ6ROI/AAAAAAAABqU/ZGvSHryFHCQ/s1600/100_2342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McDpTKtlDq8/UEtZcJQ6ROI/AAAAAAAABqU/ZGvSHryFHCQ/s400/100_2342.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Eating Habits:</b>&nbsp; He's still eating about every three hours. &nbsp;The note from his well visit a month ago said he should be going four hours now, but he's not unless he takes a four-hour nap. &nbsp;Oh, well. &nbsp;He's not a grazer, he's efficient, and he sleeps well.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>New Discoveries Made:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth loves to shriek and make long, throaty sounds. &nbsp;Mommy and Daddy have made a discovered something too: &nbsp;The Exersaucer is a guaranteed "poop machine." &nbsp;</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVExFV4SHvg/UEtZfJ4QekI/AAAAAAAABqs/AHGSdB98rmU/s1600/100_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVExFV4SHvg/UEtZfJ4QekI/AAAAAAAABqs/AHGSdB98rmU/s400/100_2349.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Accomplishments:</b>&nbsp; Yesterday Seth said unsupported (tripod-style) for the first time!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Places We Went:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;We didn't go anywhere very exciting.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cajUrUcQzmM/UEtZaOho8nI/AAAAAAAABqE/u4W0oSl18Y4/s1600/100_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cajUrUcQzmM/UEtZaOho8nI/AAAAAAAABqE/u4W0oSl18Y4/s400/100_2335.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Memorable Events or Holidays:&nbsp;</b>Labor Day was pretty uneventful. &nbsp;We made the mistake of going to Opry Mills Mall that weekend. &nbsp;It was a zoo, but Seth was a champ.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Baby's Weight Gain:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;I have no idea how much he weighs now, but he is wearing size 3 diapers and 6 month clothes.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJTd7fh63KE/UEtafXmNApI/AAAAAAAABq0/8qFSWJz4KjM/s1600/100_2348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJTd7fh63KE/UEtafXmNApI/AAAAAAAABq0/8qFSWJz4KjM/s400/100_2348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Mommy's Weight Loss:</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;I have four pounds left to go until I reach my pre-pregnancy weight. &nbsp;I'm not sure those four pounds will be enough to get back into all of my old pants, though. &nbsp;All moms know that returning to your previous weight does not necessarily mean that your clothes will fit the same, especially if you're nursing. &nbsp;Oh well. &nbsp;My boots fit now!! &nbsp;:-)</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDSLjunx0c4/UEtZaynNCVI/AAAAAAAABqM/H_iOilJnhQo/s1600/100_2339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDSLjunx0c4/UEtZaynNCVI/AAAAAAAABqM/H_iOilJnhQo/s400/100_2339.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;">Seth, I love you so much. &nbsp;You make me smile, you make me laugh, and I cannot kiss your little head enough. &nbsp;You are an easygoing, thumb-sucking sweetheart, and I delight in every minute we spend together. &nbsp;I am so thankful for the days we have alone together when Cora and Brennan are in school. &nbsp;Even though I am looking forward to the day when we can all go places together and have fun as a family of five, I am trying really hard to savor ever minute of your infancy. &nbsp;You are so precious to me.</span></span><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-53140331223188464102012-09-07T10:52:00.000-05:002012-09-07T10:52:57.178-05:00Unexpected Long WeekendI am home today with a sick kiddo... and so it begins. &nbsp;Again. &nbsp;Poor Brennan has had monthly fevers since he was two years old, mostly because he cannot keep his hands out of his mouth. &nbsp;I feel like he is just as oral as he was when he was a young toddler. &nbsp;Last year he missed ten days of school, and I got a letter from the school about his attendance. &nbsp;It was heart-breaking, mostly because I can't change anything. &nbsp;His oral tendencies are completely subconscious, so harping on him doesn't make any difference at all.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTOhg-iqPcc/UEoUlzT22hI/AAAAAAAABn4/B313APOIhAo/s1600/100_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTOhg-iqPcc/UEoUlzT22hI/AAAAAAAABn4/B313APOIhAo/s400/100_2116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The good news is that today is Friday, so B will definitely be back in school on Monday. &nbsp;And so today I will do what I can to keep everyone happy until Daddy gets home. &nbsp;Right now, that involves Caillou and computer games until breakfast. &nbsp;And so, while everyone gets their daily allotment of screen time, I blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPzaatLc4LM/UEoUpvdXmsI/AAAAAAAABoQ/vk2jvogiwsU/s1600/100_2322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPzaatLc4LM/UEoUpvdXmsI/AAAAAAAABoQ/vk2jvogiwsU/s400/100_2322.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Yesterday was my second day having Cora in preschool for <i>five hours</i>. &nbsp;It was awesome. &nbsp;Honestly, I felt giddy, being able to run errands with just one child. &nbsp;And when I got home and Seth took a nap, I dove into an organizing project I have been itching to do for a while.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VclIFfhin-Y/UEoUx4h2xbI/AAAAAAAABow/uRDAJUz_oks/s1600/100_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VclIFfhin-Y/UEoUx4h2xbI/AAAAAAAABow/uRDAJUz_oks/s320/100_2327.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />It is no secret that I get pleasure out of being organized and efficient. &nbsp;This is especially true in my home. &nbsp;My house is never completely clean or picked up, (I do have three kids!!) but I do have lots of systems in place to make my life simpler and help everyone stay on track. &nbsp;My mother-in-law comments every time she comes to visit that I have a new system in place, and she is always learning new tricks from spending time in my home. &nbsp;She said she loves it because she always knows where to find things and how to step in and help me. &nbsp;She told me I need to post some of my organizational strategies because they just don't come naturally to everyone. &nbsp;I thought this sounded like a good idea, so next week I am going to post photos and tips on organization for life with little kids. &nbsp;If they are obvious, forgive me. &nbsp;But if they are helpful to even one person, I'm glad to share.<br /><br />In the mean time, I'll share some photos of yesterday's achievements. &nbsp;The closets in our house have been driving me crazy for some time. &nbsp;I picked up a few plastic shelving units at Home Depot yesterday, and voila! &nbsp;Instant organization.<br /><br />Brennan's closet before:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6eCwdTXUeQ/UEoUtn7LqHI/AAAAAAAABoY/typanSCjerE/s1600/100_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6eCwdTXUeQ/UEoUtn7LqHI/AAAAAAAABoY/typanSCjerE/s400/100_2323.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... and after:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXlO8lridIE/UEoUvkmbskI/AAAAAAAABog/VYr7MpCPUtA/s1600/100_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXlO8lridIE/UEoUvkmbskI/AAAAAAAABog/VYr7MpCPUtA/s400/100_2325.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seth's closet before:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZfqgNC3beg/UEoUwy1wyaI/AAAAAAAABoo/lcQFkKMjQ6I/s1600/100_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZfqgNC3beg/UEoUwy1wyaI/AAAAAAAABoo/lcQFkKMjQ6I/s400/100_2326.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and after:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VclIFfhin-Y/UEoUx4h2xbI/AAAAAAAABow/uRDAJUz_oks/s1600/100_2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VclIFfhin-Y/UEoUx4h2xbI/AAAAAAAABow/uRDAJUz_oks/s320/100_2327.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'll talk about some of the things in the kids' closets during next week's post. &nbsp;Until then, I'll leave you with some photos. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6e1nLPgThSk/UEoUkgLDe5I/AAAAAAAABnw/AtRD1-21QY0/s1600/100_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6e1nLPgThSk/UEoUkgLDe5I/AAAAAAAABnw/AtRD1-21QY0/s400/100_2105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Brennan and Cora were both supposed to bring family pictures to school, and we realized we hadn't taken one since we were in the hospital when Seth was born. &nbsp;We threw up a black piece of fabric, set the timer on the camera, and took a few impromptu pictures after church (Jim had been home with the sick baby, so he isn't as dressed up as the rest of us). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-RmoGehXEQ/UEoW6OIIyeI/AAAAAAAABpY/Yy5hNKNvEds/s1600/100_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-RmoGehXEQ/UEoW6OIIyeI/AAAAAAAABpY/Yy5hNKNvEds/s400/100_2148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Look who is sitting up?! &nbsp;Oh, wait! &nbsp;That's a picture of Brennan! &nbsp;Well, it's awfully hard to tell them apart. &nbsp;Thank goodness for dates on digital pictures because they are nearly identical at this age. &nbsp;Check out Seth!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI_C4cZNoL4/UEoUznVdWlI/AAAAAAAABo4/FRjDkNQSSKU/s1600/100_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yI_C4cZNoL4/UEoUznVdWlI/AAAAAAAABo4/FRjDkNQSSKU/s400/100_2332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Have a great weekend!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xaFJ5hAoag/UEoU1YdGn5I/AAAAAAAABpI/pBwDwTm5bp0/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xaFJ5hAoag/UEoU1YdGn5I/AAAAAAAABpI/pBwDwTm5bp0/s400/IMG_0313.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-80250223867654862002012-08-13T11:00:00.001-05:002012-08-13T11:01:49.016-05:00Seth: Four Months Old<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;">Seth is four months old, and he is such a <i>joy</i>. &nbsp;Just this past week I had a super hard day, and at the end of the day I was able to sit face-to-face with Seth for about fifteen minutes, smiling, making faces, and "talking." &nbsp;His laughs, coos, and slobbery kisses filled my heart with so much pleasure I all but forgot the day I had just endured.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3BOU61vcA8/UCkiLWa3dfI/AAAAAAAABnE/YAaZPCQmus4/s1600/100_2097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3BOU61vcA8/UCkiLWa3dfI/AAAAAAAABnE/YAaZPCQmus4/s400/100_2097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Sleeping Patterns:</b> &nbsp;Seth is still a pretty great sleeper, but lately we have had an issue. &nbsp;He is an unhappy roller. &nbsp;He starts out every night being laid on his back, and he immediately turns onto his side and sticks his thumb in his mouth. &nbsp;During the course of the night he continues to roll onto his tummy, and I don't know if it is just practice or an attempt to locate his thumb, but he hates being stuck on his tummy and can't get back, so he wakes up crying. &nbsp;I have heard about kids that lose sleep because they have to practice new tricks like rolling, crawling, standing, etc., but I have never had a child who did those things. &nbsp;Now that I have lived through this phenomenon, I no longer think it is funny. &nbsp;It is only cute the first dozen times. &nbsp;Last week there was a night I had to get up to flip him over about every two hours. &nbsp;And by the fifth time that night, flipping him back wasn't enough. &nbsp;He was awake enough to discover that he was hungry. &nbsp;I'm looking forward to him being able to roll in <i>both</i> directions!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTucuYzo3oU/UCkiI199KKI/AAAAAAAABm8/iwesIRXxBI8/s1600/100_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTucuYzo3oU/UCkiI199KKI/AAAAAAAABm8/iwesIRXxBI8/s400/100_2091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Eating Habits:</b> &nbsp;Seth is still eating every two and a half to three hours during the day because he sleeps so long at night. &nbsp;I wish he could go longer stretches, but I'll take the sleep without complaint.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>New Discoveries Made:</b> &nbsp;A few days ago, Seth discovered his ear. &nbsp;He kept grabbing it and pulling it like, "What is this thing attached to my head?!" &nbsp;(Don't worry, seasoned parents... I had his ears checked at his check-up a couple of days ago, and they're fine.) &nbsp;Seth has also discovered his voice and loves to make lots of noise. &nbsp;Most of the time it's pretty cute.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOQsvUn_UWA/UCkkTmEM7hI/AAAAAAAABnM/RCZOUHqTlOU/s1600/100_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOQsvUn_UWA/UCkkTmEM7hI/AAAAAAAABnM/RCZOUHqTlOU/s320/100_2078.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Accomplishments:</b>&nbsp; Besides being a seasoned roller-overer now, Seth really wishes he could crawl. &nbsp;He can turn in circles on his tummy to look at things, and he is trying desperately to get his knees up under him and propel himself forward with his toes. &nbsp;I know things will become super hard when he crawls, but I am proud of his determination.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Places We Went:</b> &nbsp;We haven't been to any exciting places, as I wrote about in <a href="http://lissalaneous.blogspot.com/2012/08/we-survived-summer.html">my last post</a>.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Memorable Events or Holidays: </b>Jim and I celebrated our 12-year wedding anniversary, and Seth joined us for a day of shopping while we left the big kids with Grandma.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGNlcoVlBOc/UCkiEBpY7GI/AAAAAAAABms/l8zt1GVy0eg/s1600/100_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGNlcoVlBOc/UCkiEBpY7GI/AAAAAAAABms/l8zt1GVy0eg/s320/100_2079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Baby's Weight Gain:</b> &nbsp;Seth weighed in a few days ago at 14 pounds, 12 ounces. &nbsp;This was a bit of a loss on the growth curve (he hasn't lost weight, he is just growing slower), but he is still an average, healthy baby. &nbsp;Most people who see him think he's a chunk because of his round face and big cheeks, so it's surprising to me that he's "average." &nbsp;Anyway, the doctor said he usually sees a drop when babies sleep long night stretches, and he is still growing beautifully, so I am pleased. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Mommy's Weight Loss:</b> &nbsp;I had a better month than I thought I would, and I have lost 52 pounds total. &nbsp;I am 8 pounds away from my starting weight, and I am hoping to be back into my fall clothes by Seth's six-month birthday. &nbsp;I went a week ago to try on new shoes and discovered that my feet are larger than they were (I've been wearing flip-flops all summer). &nbsp;I am seriously praying my feet fit back into my boots this fall, or I am going to be really, really sad!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.166666030883789px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2c8TZKvXeF4/UCkiGDLoDkI/AAAAAAAABm0/eJtWwlDHanE/s1600/100_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2c8TZKvXeF4/UCkiGDLoDkI/AAAAAAAABm0/eJtWwlDHanE/s400/100_2086.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-57612461344956911592012-08-11T21:31:00.000-05:002012-08-11T21:31:34.283-05:00We Survived the Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTeFR_YK9IM/UCcO36_WooI/AAAAAAAABlI/WR18lblMzRc/s1600/100_1988+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTeFR_YK9IM/UCcO36_WooI/AAAAAAAABlI/WR18lblMzRc/s400/100_1988+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I have told several people now that I may look back on this as one of the hardest summers of my life. &nbsp;Having a baby several weeks before school let out for the summer was difficult enough, but add to that record-breaking temperatures and the fact that I had to pull Cora out of Mother's Day Out because of some changes we didn't like, and we had a recipe for real cabin fever. &nbsp;On top of all of that, I had no computer. &nbsp;I was home all summer long with three little kids, we couldn't leave the house because it was SO HOT, I couldn't get any work done, and we were paying off more medical bills making date nights, shopping, and other luxuries impossible. &nbsp;It was super hard. No, that's a lie. &nbsp;It was enough to make me a crazy person at times. <br /><br />There were days I dreaded waking up in the morning. &nbsp;I knew the kids would fight, the house would continue to be a mess, and I would feel painfully lonely. &nbsp;I wanted routine. &nbsp;I wanted my body back. &nbsp;I wanted to complete a grown-up conversation. &nbsp;I secretly resented people who could afford big vacations. &nbsp;I felt jealous of those who could spend the whole day with their children at the pool. &nbsp;I wanted my kids to be happy and didn't know how to make that happen. &nbsp;It was so tough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMbcrDZfUy4/UCcO7fAibGI/AAAAAAAABlY/YqWtT4xOZ7E/s1600/100_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMbcrDZfUy4/UCcO7fAibGI/AAAAAAAABlY/YqWtT4xOZ7E/s400/100_2054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Brennan started first grade yesterday. &nbsp;He was so delighted to be back in school, and I was so happy to have him there. &nbsp;The start of school represents all that's right in the world for Brennan. &nbsp;He loves to learn, he loves to create, he loves routine, and he loves to socialize with the other kids. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CTjN00jHXw/UCcO-pE4V-I/AAAAAAAABlg/ZhoUtAxQoJY/s1600/100_2062+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--CTjN00jHXw/UCcO-pE4V-I/AAAAAAAABlg/ZhoUtAxQoJY/s400/100_2062+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We have a <i>fantastic</i> elementary school, and although a lot of people take it for granted, I thank God for it often. &nbsp;So, on Thursday night, as I thought about Brennan heading off to first grade the next morning, I should only have been happy. &nbsp;But after the kids were all in bed and I collapsed onto my own, worn mattress, I started to cry. &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;Because I felt like I had failed my children. &nbsp;I have several friends who love summer and treasure the opportunities to make memories with their kids, but what did I do for my kids this summer? &nbsp;I <i>survived</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKBi8_wVbhw/UCcPD-cMwJI/AAAAAAAABlw/3U99Z52q364/s1600/100_2063+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKBi8_wVbhw/UCcPD-cMwJI/AAAAAAAABlw/3U99Z52q364/s400/100_2063+2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPR03NslQOs/UCcQCblg3HI/AAAAAAAABmI/WE_1IcpDvRY/s1600/IMG_0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPR03NslQOs/UCcQCblg3HI/AAAAAAAABmI/WE_1IcpDvRY/s320/IMG_0198.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Today, as I got Cora out of the bathtub and saw her brown little legs, I forgave myself a bit. &nbsp;I genuinely did the best I could for my family this summer, and although we didn't make as many trips to the pool as my kids or I would have liked, we hardly sat at home and watched paint dry. &nbsp;We went to dance classes, Brennan went to Encore summer camp for a week, we participated in Vacation Bible School, Brennan took swimming lessons for two weeks, we went to a puppet show at the library, we met a friend at the splash pad, we "ate more chikin" at Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A, we watched family movies, and we built lots of forts out of blankets. &nbsp;My kids were not terribly deprived, and I'm guessing they will do more than <i>survive</i> to tell about their summer experiences. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQJMUF25r5M/UCcP-0bWC4I/AAAAAAAABmA/esbvc_zefAg/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQJMUF25r5M/UCcP-0bWC4I/AAAAAAAABmA/esbvc_zefAg/s400/IMG_0179.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am really excited about fall - maybe more so than I have ever been, and I always look forward to my favorite season. &nbsp;I am ready for cooler weather and more opportunities to be outside. &nbsp;I am excited to have both kids back in school (Cora will be going to preschool two days a week), and I am looking forward to pumpkin spice lattes and our first family vacation this October. &nbsp;More than anything, I am looking forward to feeling like things in my life are somewhat under control and I can be the kind of mom I want to be. &nbsp;I am completely ready for a new season, both figuratively and literally.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2f333G3JA_Y/UCcOz7wb_sI/AAAAAAAABk4/o_Oa8OtD32c/s1600/100_1985+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2f333G3JA_Y/UCcOz7wb_sI/AAAAAAAABk4/o_Oa8OtD32c/s400/100_1985+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-62307817402675626622012-07-31T19:18:00.000-05:002012-07-31T19:18:33.742-05:00Back in the Game!Guess what?! &nbsp;After spending the whole summer without one, I have a new computer!!! &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Gosh, I feel like I haven't had the freedom to blog in <i>forever, </i>and it feels <i>so good</i>&nbsp;to sit down at my computer and have everything at my fingertips! &nbsp;However, having to survive without a computer all day, every day for months really taught me a lot. &nbsp;I have learned to focus more on my kids and stop wasting time. &nbsp;I have gotten a lot done around the house and made the little time I could spend on Jim's computer <i>really</i> count.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I have been absent from the world of blogging, our family has kept busy with more traditional pastimes, like...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coloring:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7vLEGKsCAE/UBhu65X1bII/AAAAAAAABiI/5NqMjbxUL5M/s1600/IMG_0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o7vLEGKsCAE/UBhu65X1bII/AAAAAAAABiI/5NqMjbxUL5M/s400/IMG_0189.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sleeping:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vz8h0Z1MMRI/UBhu9TAlBGI/AAAAAAAABiY/C0gmBlFDMGo/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vz8h0Z1MMRI/UBhu9TAlBGI/AAAAAAAABiY/C0gmBlFDMGo/s400/IMG_0210.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grocery Shopping:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A74GCsIoEdQ/UBhu7zJnF9I/AAAAAAAABiQ/KTWedpd8C4I/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A74GCsIoEdQ/UBhu7zJnF9I/AAAAAAAABiQ/KTWedpd8C4I/s320/IMG_0206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roller Skating:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4wwVuAzt8c/UBhvDrAN-7I/AAAAAAAABjA/cV0hL4jJDWM/s1600/IMG_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4wwVuAzt8c/UBhvDrAN-7I/AAAAAAAABjA/cV0hL4jJDWM/s320/IMG_0234.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Learning to Curl Hair (Thanks to Hair-Savvy Teenage Friends):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3Jogl0Y50A/UBhvD1T8FUI/AAAAAAAABjI/KPJEjXa4KYc/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3Jogl0Y50A/UBhvD1T8FUI/AAAAAAAABjI/KPJEjXa4KYc/s400/IMG_0240.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rolling Over:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-3E55qnGZM/UBhu-fethiI/AAAAAAAABig/jtB_zoe62fo/s1600/IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-3E55qnGZM/UBhu-fethiI/AAAAAAAABig/jtB_zoe62fo/s400/IMG_0212.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Sewing:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaIe_HKPA68/UBhvA-dga6I/AAAAAAAABiw/ViLL1MYDG_U/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaIe_HKPA68/UBhvA-dga6I/AAAAAAAABiw/ViLL1MYDG_U/s400/IMG_0226.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first outfit I have ever made for Cora! :-)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1WfyVgcjiI/UBhvCWCSthI/AAAAAAAABi4/w9qEndI2MPI/s1600/IMG_0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1WfyVgcjiI/UBhvCWCSthI/AAAAAAAABi4/w9qEndI2MPI/s400/IMG_0231.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, I mentioned in my last post that we started redoing the kids' bathroom a few weeks ago. &nbsp;Well, it's done, and it is exactly what I envisioned! &nbsp;I love it when a plan comes together!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bV1l608XV8/UBhx6Sqh_aI/AAAAAAAABjo/Oo0DTflGilQ/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3bV1l608XV8/UBhx6Sqh_aI/AAAAAAAABjo/Oo0DTflGilQ/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim took this photo, and I commented on the towel being askew and the toilet paper being nearly empty. I think he wanted to have me committed for noticing every. little. thing. &nbsp;:-)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the before and after pictures!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkx2R-7gYz8/UBhyrWbdgEI/AAAAAAAABjw/FZHWYFhAbEI/s1600/100_8546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkx2R-7gYz8/UBhyrWbdgEI/AAAAAAAABjw/FZHWYFhAbEI/s400/100_8546.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGnbW0Mxj74/UBhy8zWNhTI/AAAAAAAABkA/YdHAVOdSYU4/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGnbW0Mxj74/UBhy8zWNhTI/AAAAAAAABkA/YdHAVOdSYU4/s320/Image+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDCd-5r_vJU/UBhzn1fLHoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ILxKwjwdObU/s1600/100_8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDCd-5r_vJU/UBhzn1fLHoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/ILxKwjwdObU/s400/100_8547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRe3rK8UDvs/UBhy9FfDrMI/AAAAAAAABkI/VYfuD_IimVo/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRe3rK8UDvs/UBhy9FfDrMI/AAAAAAAABkI/VYfuD_IimVo/s400/Image.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I may do another post with the bathroom details if you're interested in knowing more (let me know in the comments if you have questions you want answered). &nbsp;In the mean time, I'll leave you with one more picture of my little girl before church this past Sunday:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpwK8xloRnA/UBh1Z_3ZscI/AAAAAAAABkY/GuSguYXzat4/s1600/IMG_0251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpwK8xloRnA/UBh1Z_3ZscI/AAAAAAAABkY/GuSguYXzat4/s320/IMG_0251.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great day! :-)</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-76432014167055312112012-07-07T18:56:00.001-05:002012-07-07T20:18:19.977-05:00Seth: Three Months Old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ER0q_s0oB3A/T_jHhlYmuuI/AAAAAAAABhc/ZnX2GmoZqS8/s1600/IMG_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ER0q_s0oB3A/T_jHhlYmuuI/AAAAAAAABhc/ZnX2GmoZqS8/s400/IMG_0172.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />I can't believe Seth is three months old. &nbsp;Time is&nbsp;<i>flying</i> by!! &nbsp;I don't get to savor the daily moments the way I did with the other two kids, and sometimes it breaks my heart. &nbsp;I try really hard to take in every moment he is awake, but it isn't always possible when we're running to dance classes, swimming lessons, and birthday parties. &nbsp;Still, when I get to just sit and make faces at my little guy and I am rewarded with smiles and coos, the whole world stands still.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgRsZy2YiIc/T_jIXgjesnI/AAAAAAAABhs/3JRLzXhEwMM/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgRsZy2YiIc/T_jIXgjesnI/AAAAAAAABhs/3JRLzXhEwMM/s400/IMG_0078.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Sleeping Patterns:</b> &nbsp;Seth is a <i>remarkable</i> sleeper. &nbsp;I put him down after his last feeding at about 7:30 PM, and I have to<i> wake him up</i> to eat between 6 and 7 AM. &nbsp;(Believe me, as a breastfeeding mom, I can't wait much longer for him to eat!!) &nbsp;I don't know too many three-month-old babies that sleep for 11 hours at a time, but I honestly feel like I have earned this. &nbsp;At this age, Cora was still waking every two hours at night and I never got more than an hour and a half of sleep at a time until she was close to five months old.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_xR12AnqTM/T_jHb-GSH1I/AAAAAAAABhU/v93aGPHMdYM/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_xR12AnqTM/T_jHb-GSH1I/AAAAAAAABhU/v93aGPHMdYM/s400/IMG_0169.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b>Eating Habits:</b> &nbsp;Seth eats about six times a day. &nbsp;It usually works out to about every three hours, but sometimes he does a four-hour stretch and sometimes it's two. &nbsp;It all evens out at the end of the day. &nbsp;Breastfeeding stopped hurting at around two months, and I am really enjoying it now. (!) &nbsp;I look forward to the quiet feedings in his room at the start and end of each day because they are special, uninterrupted times when I can just stare at his round little cheeks, pray for him, and listen to the ticking clock.<br /><br /><b>New Discoveries Made:</b> &nbsp;Seth has discovered his thumb, and he loves it. &nbsp;We can't get him to take a pacifier, but the thumb is doing the trick.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyGL3gEteAc/T_jHmCfNf7I/AAAAAAAABhk/3gRDdRdFrcE/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyGL3gEteAc/T_jHmCfNf7I/AAAAAAAABhk/3gRDdRdFrcE/s400/IMG_0184.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's pants are a little big! :-)</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Accomplishments:</b> Giggling, blowing bubbles, cooing, and smiling.<br /><br /><b>Places We Went:</b> Swimming lessons, birthday parties, dance classes, play dates, and stores.<br /><br /><b>Memorable Events or Holidays:</b> &nbsp;We celebrated Independence Day by working on the kids' bathroom. &nbsp;We have been planning to paint and put up beadboard since before we moved in two years ago, and we finally got started. &nbsp;Here is a little sneak peek. &nbsp;The lighting (and therefore the appearance of the paint color) is totally off because Jim took out the light fixture and we just have a lamp in the room with a bare bulb.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ix02dZS9gc/T_jJUPO6hHI/AAAAAAAABh0/1zqiaJLZodA/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ix02dZS9gc/T_jJUPO6hHI/AAAAAAAABh0/1zqiaJLZodA/s400/IMG_0175.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVXJiPN5_oc/T_jJYfABgVI/AAAAAAAABh8/1dqlpZbqI8U/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVXJiPN5_oc/T_jJYfABgVI/AAAAAAAABh8/1dqlpZbqI8U/s400/IMG_0178.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Baby's Weight Gain:</b> &nbsp;At his two month appointment, Seth weighed 13 pounds. &nbsp;If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably around 14 pounds right now. &nbsp;He's a chunk, but I'm not complaining because it helps him sleep.</div><br /><b>Mommy's Weight Loss:</b> &nbsp;Jim and I started following a Weight Watchers plan about three weeks ago. &nbsp;It has been awesome to have someone else help keep me accountable. &nbsp;It makes meal planning and grocery shopping easier, and it keeps me honest. &nbsp;So far we have lost a combined total of about fifty-five pounds!! &nbsp;I have seventeen left to go to get back to my starting weight, and I am fighting for every one of them. &nbsp;I have been alternating yoga and barre classes (one mid-week and one on weekends), and it feels great to see my body getting stronger. (I will be sad when my Groupons run out in a few weeks because I can't afford to keep going at the regular rates, and it's too hot to exercise outside.)<br /><br />I sold some of my maternity clothes today, and although I was happy to see them go, it was weird to know that I won't pass this way again. &nbsp;I am trying to enjoy every moment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evB5KUjjeOw/T_jHVBKD1II/AAAAAAAABhM/DwiPnzetDIA/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evB5KUjjeOw/T_jHVBKD1II/AAAAAAAABhM/DwiPnzetDIA/s400/IMG_0168.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-78707139446408109182012-06-23T08:54:00.000-05:002012-06-23T08:54:56.263-05:00iNeed a New MacBookIt pains me that I haven't blogged in so long. &nbsp;This whole not-having-a-computer thing stinks. &nbsp;Big time.<br /><br />I have come to the sad - but necessary - conclusion that the chunk of change I had saved for my camera needs to go toward a new computer. &nbsp;It hit me the other night when I snagged Jim's computer after dinner and worked on it until bedtime, that not one thing I was doing was wasteful. &nbsp;I wasn't surfing the internet or watching YouTube... I was responding to emails that had been sitting in my inbox for five days, I was doing research for Women's Ministry stuff for church, and I was setting up a meal calendar for a friend who had a baby. &nbsp;Even though a great camera would be a wonderful investment and an awesome creative outlet, a computer is a necessary tool for me. &nbsp;At this current point in my life, I can't use a camera to serve God the way I can use a computer. &nbsp;God has blessed me with the gift of administration, and I haven't been able to use it!<br /><br />So, I need to keep saving to get a new laptop that will allow me to fulfill my Etsy orders, store my whole photo library, and basically pick up where I left off. &nbsp;I have explored my options, and I know now what I need. &nbsp;I am just hopeful that I can get something before Jim's classes really take off this fall and I am left high and dry. &nbsp;I wouldn't say I'm striking a deal with God (because that doesn't seem so biblical!), but I certainly am asking Him to honor my decision. &nbsp;As of right now, any extra money is going toward medical bills, so it would definitely take some divine intervention for this to happen. &nbsp;I certainly don't know God's plan, but I'm not counting against that possibility.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-38515752269930487142012-06-03T08:00:00.001-05:002012-06-03T08:00:07.269-05:00Finishing Cora's Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago I finally got around to tackling a house project. &nbsp;It felt SO good to be back in the game!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my house goals was to paint a few pieces of furniture this year, but I had to wait until sweet baby boy was out of my tummy. &nbsp;Here is furniture piece number one, Cora's nightstand, before I got my <strike>hands</strike>&nbsp;paintbrush on it.:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OttgO9NyPH4/T8f_Y8ilXoI/AAAAAAAABd0/OBLzFmmFUzw/s1600/100_1875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OttgO9NyPH4/T8f_Y8ilXoI/AAAAAAAABd0/OBLzFmmFUzw/s400/100_1875.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And here it is after:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiCNBJjsTN8/T8f_hoVv8uI/AAAAAAAABeM/WXM0VAz5cV0/s1600/100_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TiCNBJjsTN8/T8f_hoVv8uI/AAAAAAAABeM/WXM0VAz5cV0/s400/100_1889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I chose a shade of white that matched the existing furniture (which is not true white or ivory), and I bought a pink drawer pull at Hobby Lobby. &nbsp;I'd love to tell you this was super cheap, but the project cost a little more than I had hoped because I had to buy special primer, some new rollers, and a few other things. &nbsp;At least now I will have those things to tackle my next two paint projects.<br /><br />Before Seth was born, I managed to paint a piece of artwork for Cora's room. &nbsp;It isn't totally done because I want to go back and clean up the stripes at the bottom of the painting, but in case that never happens, I should probably go ahead and post some pictures of it in its current state:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tIzg6d5Kyg/T8f_muvxeUI/AAAAAAAABec/pryj_1BVxgk/s1600/100_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tIzg6d5Kyg/T8f_muvxeUI/AAAAAAAABec/pryj_1BVxgk/s400/100_1896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qthGM6mJS10/T8f_oRgOZpI/AAAAAAAABek/rxSyBo9VFA4/s1600/100_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qthGM6mJS10/T8f_oRgOZpI/AAAAAAAABek/rxSyBo9VFA4/s400/100_1897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here are a few other views of the room:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VJOrSf5bCY/T8outTJnbmI/AAAAAAAABgw/33ynMcqFwN4/s1600/100_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VJOrSf5bCY/T8outTJnbmI/AAAAAAAABgw/33ynMcqFwN4/s400/100_1891.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbJAHAOQtM8/T8ovHv0LiOI/AAAAAAAABhA/IfmqaHJ-sx0/s1600/100_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbJAHAOQtM8/T8ovHv0LiOI/AAAAAAAABhA/IfmqaHJ-sx0/s400/100_1895.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtCiQdrrFqU/T8ovEjggRJI/AAAAAAAABg4/Jn3Ay5-hTPk/s1600/100_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtCiQdrrFqU/T8ovEjggRJI/AAAAAAAABg4/Jn3Ay5-hTPk/s400/100_1892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other than touching up the canvas, this room is done! &nbsp;At some point I'd love to add seating under the window that connects the two bookshelves (and shorten the curtains to the necessary height), but I have other things in the house I need to do more. &nbsp;I also know the bookshelves will fill up on their own as Cora grows, so I'm not in a huge hurry to accessorize them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a beautiful day... I think I may have to get the paintbrush out again in another room!! &nbsp;:-)</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-73711667851857321762012-06-01T21:02:00.001-05:002012-06-02T10:26:28.470-05:00Kicking Off the SummerThe last few weeks have been a flurry of activity. &nbsp;In my last post, I complained about some of the difficult things we've been dealing with, but we have had some really great moments, as well.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Two weeks ago, Brennan finished kindergarten. &nbsp;I can't believe my little boy is done with his first year of school.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpvrzMsqZD8/T8f_b60-HwI/AAAAAAAABd8/vpWfcMmrA0M/s1600/100_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JpvrzMsqZD8/T8f_b60-HwI/AAAAAAAABd8/vpWfcMmrA0M/s400/100_1883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Brennan's school did a super cute program for the end of the year. &nbsp;It was honestly <i>so</i> well done. &nbsp;I've been in lots of schools over the years, and I have never seen such a darling, appropriate, and well-executed end-of-year program. &nbsp;And to pull it off with over 100 kindergarteners was no small feat.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Po8QjeNseM/T8f_fMMr89I/AAAAAAAABeE/zGpBLdlMyS4/s1600/100_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Po8QjeNseM/T8f_fMMr89I/AAAAAAAABeE/zGpBLdlMyS4/s400/100_1884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even though Brennan missed the last two full days of school, he was able to go back for the last half day to get his report card and say goodbye to his teacher and friends. &nbsp;He made this adorable letter for his teacher:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULFgiO59XT4/T8gAeTnqbAI/AAAAAAAABe0/bH-KJwkxgy4/s1600/Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULFgiO59XT4/T8gAeTnqbAI/AAAAAAAABe0/bH-KJwkxgy4/s400/Image+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When Brennan got home from school on his last day, I had a banner for him hanging in the doorway. &nbsp;After he had his picture taken with it, I made him break through it to get into the house. &nbsp;:-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcJ-K4Hx1Yo/T8lb1yOEU2I/AAAAAAAABfg/9hShD8gZAWA/s1600/Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kcJ-K4Hx1Yo/T8lb1yOEU2I/AAAAAAAABfg/9hShD8gZAWA/s400/Image+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nana was inside waiting for him so she could take him to the zoo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another thing that came to an end for Brennan was soccer season. &nbsp;His team finished the year strong, and even though every child got the same trophy, Brennan was very proud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fl_za6uatY/T8leOt5g6sI/AAAAAAAABfs/C0wisirgH-I/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fl_za6uatY/T8leOt5g6sI/AAAAAAAABfs/C0wisirgH-I/s400/Image.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past Monday we all went with my mom to the newly-reopened Rainforest Cafe at Opry Mills Mall. &nbsp;The kids haven't been in a few years (it has been closed since the flood two years ago), and Brennan didn't remember anything about it except the hippo that used to scare him. &nbsp;(He thinks it is pretty cool now.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8koMzi_q40/T8le3dGyBeI/AAAAAAAABf0/wltp6iHmP0o/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8koMzi_q40/T8le3dGyBeI/AAAAAAAABf0/wltp6iHmP0o/s400/Image+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a gift card that was given to my mom for her work with the A Cappella Choir back in our home town, and it was just such an awesome present! &nbsp;Brennan and Cora were in awe the whole time watching the animals move and waiting for the next "thunderstorm." &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezvR5aXDu2w/T8lj7a17m5I/AAAAAAAABgA/NaFHkTHTQh4/s1600/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezvR5aXDu2w/T8lj7a17m5I/AAAAAAAABgA/NaFHkTHTQh4/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbS6ObgrpwQ/T8lkAoajewI/AAAAAAAABgQ/7Ulmk98FDRg/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NbS6ObgrpwQ/T8lkAoajewI/AAAAAAAABgQ/7Ulmk98FDRg/s320/IMG_0340.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h59zcOeX-PM/T8lj-Tn3YCI/AAAAAAAABgI/299lxMIZfYw/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h59zcOeX-PM/T8lj-Tn3YCI/AAAAAAAABgI/299lxMIZfYw/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides all of these special moments, we have enjoyed simply being outside in the sunshine playing on the slip and slide and eating meals on the picnic table. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir2P4R_vxkc/T8lxIa3az2I/AAAAAAAABgc/oNNmWihsJWQ/s1600/Image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir2P4R_vxkc/T8lxIa3az2I/AAAAAAAABgc/oNNmWihsJWQ/s400/Image+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom leaves to go back to New York in the morning, and we will officially be on our own as a family of five. &nbsp;We have ten weeks of summer ahead of us, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm scared. &nbsp;But we will just take one day at a time and count our blessings...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Kc6p_6gmMQ/T8lzEpBKcHI/AAAAAAAABgk/U-IkZ1CSj3s/s1600/Image+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Kc6p_6gmMQ/T8lzEpBKcHI/AAAAAAAABgk/U-IkZ1CSj3s/s320/Image+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...like s'mores and campfires. &nbsp;Life is good.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-9688839009091881482012-05-26T21:54:00.000-05:002012-05-26T21:54:01.965-05:00It's Raining, It's PouringI am writing this post from Jim's computer because I don't have one anymore. &nbsp;My house is currently 83 degrees and I am miserably hot because our conditioner keeps breaking. &nbsp;My kids have been sick for an entire week with sore throats, fevers, vomiting and diarrhea, and Brennan missed his last two days of kindergarten. &nbsp;To say that this has been a hard week is a major understatement.<br /><br />(If you aren't too depressed to stay with me, here are some of the details:)<br /><br />Last Saturday when I tried to turn on my computer, it just wouldn't turn on. &nbsp;The Geek Squad (aka Jim) looked at it, and he there was nothing we could do. &nbsp;He saved my hard drive and all of my work, photos, etc., but the machine itself was dead. &nbsp;It is four years old, and I honestly don't know if a day has ever gone by that I haven't used it. &nbsp;All of that use and abuse was bound to catch up with us sooner or later, but I just wasn't prepared.<br /><br />I started writing a blog post a week or two ago about how I have been saving money for the last six months for my first decent camera. &nbsp;I have wanted to own a good camera and take classes for about sixteen years now, and in December I decided that it was time to embrace the dream, even if it took a year to save enough mad money. &nbsp;I have done lots of research, talked off the ears of several of my photographer friends, and saved about $450, but it now looks like I will need to give up on the camera yet again and put the money towards a new computer. &nbsp;It's dumb, but it has actually made me cry.<br /><br />***********************<br />When we were building our house, we questioned the single air conditioning unit that was supposed to cool our 3000+ square foot house. &nbsp;We were assured that it was an Energy Star home and didn't need more than one unit. &nbsp;Even though we were skeptical, we bought the hype. &nbsp;Two years and many issues later, we wish we had trusted our instincts. &nbsp;We now have a technician making a house call at 9:00 on a Saturday night. &nbsp;He is telling us that some freon will "get us by" until a store opens on Tuesday. &nbsp;This just had to happen on Memorial Day Weekend.<br /><br />***********************<br />Last Sunday when I got up for church, Brennan told me his stomach felt yucky and he was hot. &nbsp;He had a fever and it was decided that he would stay home with Jim while Cora, Seth, and I went to church. &nbsp;As we were getting ready to leave, Cora vomited all over the floor. &nbsp;The next seven days were a roller coaster ride of one kid getting better while the other showed new symptoms. &nbsp;I am hopeful tonight that everyone is on the mend, but I don't know what to think anymore.<br /><br />***********************<br />If I were reading this on someone else's blog, I'd be tempted to tell them that it will all get better soon. &nbsp;And it's probably true. &nbsp;But today, for me, it doesn't feel like it. &nbsp;Every day is a struggle with cranky kids and new challenges. &nbsp;I feel disconnected. &nbsp;I feel overwhelmed. &nbsp;I feel like <i>nothing</i> in my life is mine right now. &nbsp;I can't wear any of my own clothes. &nbsp;I can't have a conversation without being interrupted thirty-six times. &nbsp;I can't send an email until my husband gets home at night with a computer. &nbsp;I can't run errands or go anywhere without thinking through everyone's schedules. &nbsp;I can't even go to bed at night to get a break. &nbsp; I can't continue to pursue the one thing I was doing for me without sacrificing major sanity points.<br /><br />I know it's all temporary. &nbsp;I've survived the newborn stage two other times and know that it is fleeting. &nbsp;But when I'm sitting in a sauna house with cranky kids who want to watch <i>another</i> television show and my middle child throws a tantrum and refuses to go upstairs and take a nap and I lose track of how much powdered sugar I've put in my recipe and I can't get onto my computer to look up said recipe, and my newborn needs to nurse, I just feel like I am going to crack.<br /><br />Last night a couple of friends took me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday, and I felt like I was watching the whole evening through a piece of thick glass. &nbsp;I heard every word and enjoyed my friends completely, but I didn't feel like a participant. &nbsp;I couldn't laugh with my whole heart, I couldn't relax, and I couldn't think of anything witty to say. &nbsp;I worried the whole time that they were thinking, "Melissa hasn't been very fun in about a year. &nbsp;I don't want to hang out with her anymore." &nbsp;I hope that's not true because I need tons of support right now.<br /><br />I am eager to get everyone well, find a summer schedule that works for us (I had just found my stride and then the school year ended!), and start being fun again. &nbsp;Maybe I need to go line dancing or kayaking or something new this fall when I don't have a baby tethered to my breast. &nbsp;Who's in? &nbsp;:-)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-74326050382033897512012-05-08T08:27:00.001-05:002012-05-12T17:25:08.398-05:00Busy and Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life has been busy and fun this past two weeks. &nbsp;Here are a few highlights:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brennan is playing outdoor soccer this season, and Jim is his assistant coach. &nbsp;Their team is undefeated with only a couple of games left, but there is really no emphasis on scores at this age. &nbsp;They are playing hard and having a great time.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ceTrjkai08/T6hUnfeLrcI/AAAAAAAABcs/V4FW202eM3Q/s1600/100_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ceTrjkai08/T6hUnfeLrcI/AAAAAAAABcs/V4FW202eM3Q/s400/100_1817.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IEMUe13erw/T6hUks4Nh7I/AAAAAAAABck/DXuIo5mKAUY/s1600/100_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IEMUe13erw/T6hUks4Nh7I/AAAAAAAABck/DXuIo5mKAUY/s400/100_1813.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seth turned one month old on Friday. &nbsp;He is getting so big!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRRsfhY-Rq8/T6hUtLRaqPI/AAAAAAAABdE/eNcueZ0-KlE/s1600/100_1852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRRsfhY-Rq8/T6hUtLRaqPI/AAAAAAAABdE/eNcueZ0-KlE/s320/100_1852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XvUykFi49Q/T6hUrJYkBVI/AAAAAAAABc8/1TO7TbRq4HU/s1600/100_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XvUykFi49Q/T6hUrJYkBVI/AAAAAAAABc8/1TO7TbRq4HU/s400/100_1850.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UAP_VnaSK0/T6hUu1ZBRSI/AAAAAAAABdM/FpaZ3bLze04/s1600/100_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UAP_VnaSK0/T6hUu1ZBRSI/AAAAAAAABdM/FpaZ3bLze04/s400/100_1869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We are constantly amazed at how much Seth looks like Brennan. &nbsp;Check out these pictures below of the two boys at 3 - 4 weeks of age (isn't it crazy how strong their necks are?! &nbsp;It makes them look six months old!!):</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koxHOXzbJhI/T6hUfm5nX5I/AAAAAAAABcU/10mCzuvnh3A/s1600/100_1703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koxHOXzbJhI/T6hUfm5nX5I/AAAAAAAABcU/10mCzuvnh3A/s200/100_1703.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fb2hlHFO2Pg/T6hUpD4HJzI/AAAAAAAABc0/aJC2xKjGycE/s1600/100_1842_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fb2hlHFO2Pg/T6hUpD4HJzI/AAAAAAAABc0/aJC2xKjGycE/s200/100_1842_2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Use your thumbs to cover up their hair... &nbsp;Isn't it wild?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went to a Mexican mustache baby shower for my friend Janna last week, and it was a lot of fun. &nbsp;Everyone got in on the action, including the youngest partygoers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TYTZjlun3s/T6hXeo9fVOI/AAAAAAAABdY/8EGAHJo4JGI/s1600/100_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TYTZjlun3s/T6hXeo9fVOI/AAAAAAAABdY/8EGAHJo4JGI/s400/100_1823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0QKWt7mOzc/T6hXgjrp0_I/AAAAAAAABdg/PqQHjfEfK64/s1600/100_1826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0QKWt7mOzc/T6hXgjrp0_I/AAAAAAAABdg/PqQHjfEfK64/s400/100_1826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are getting into a groove around here schedule-wise, and I have even lost four pounds in the last eight days. &nbsp;I totally changed the way I was eating, and obviously it has helped. &nbsp;Things are looking up.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-707310878319697808.post-63084864263168679432012-05-03T15:09:00.000-05:002012-05-03T15:09:42.634-05:00Appointed and ChosenIt drives a few of my friends cuckoo that we keep our baby names a secret until the kids arrive (ahem, <i><a href="http://www.lackey.me/">Rachel</a></i>). :-) &nbsp;We have several reasons for doing this way, and I have no regrets, but I wanted to share how we chose Seth's name. <br /><br />We had a much harder time with a name this time around, and it was starting to make me nervous and frustrated. &nbsp;If you know my husband, you know that he isn't a person to share thoughts or feelings - about anything - on the spot. &nbsp;He needs time to process and think about things before sharing a response. &nbsp;So, how do we choose a baby name?<br /><br />I email him. <br /><br />Yes, it's true. &nbsp;I create a list of names I like and send them to Jim to mull over. &nbsp;Isn't that crazy? &nbsp;It doesn't bother me, and I guess that's what you get when you've been married for nearly twelve years. &nbsp;You learn what does and doesn't work for your relationship. &nbsp;Spur-of-the-moment baby-naming conversations just don't work for us. &nbsp;I ask, "What do you think of this name?" and all I get is "I don't know." But if Jim has time to process and think about things, he can decide what he likes and what he hates.<br /><br />I had originally wanted to name Seth something that started with the letter D so that my kids would be named in alphabetical order. &nbsp;(Jim hated that idea, by the way.) &nbsp;I really liked the name Dalton and we considered it, but when I looked up the meaning and found out it meant "town in the valley," I felt like it was lacking somehow. &nbsp;A few other names that I liked had decent meanings, and one of my favorites was Kellan: "Descendant of the Brightheaded One." &nbsp;It seemed perfect because Jim is so intelligent and also because my grandfather at one time had red hair. &nbsp;However, when I looked up the name Seth, I couldn't stop thinking about it. <br /><br />Seth means "appointed" or "chosen."<br /><br />We knew after we had Cora that we wanted to have a third child. &nbsp;We also knew that we should wait until 2012 before we started <i>trying</i> for number three. &nbsp;Financially and practically, waiting was the best decision. &nbsp;So when we found out I was pregnant last fall, we were <i>shocked</i>. &nbsp;Quite truthfully, I freaked out. &nbsp;This wasn't what we had decided! &nbsp;This was officially <i>the least</i> calculated thing Jim or I had <i>ever</i> done.<br /><br />So when I saw that the name Seth - which I already liked - meant "appointed" or "chosen," I started to weep. &nbsp;<i>God</i> had <i>chosen</i> this baby for our family. &nbsp;<i>He</i> had <i>chosen</i> the timing. &nbsp; <i>He</i> had <i>appointed</i> Seth to do great things, hopefully for His Kingdom! &nbsp;God was in control. <br /><br />After I started mentally calling Seth by name, I realized that Seth was also the third child named in the Bible. &nbsp;Adam and Eve had Cain and Abel, and then they have Seth. &nbsp;Just a cool fact.<br /><br />Seth's middle name is Bryant, and that isn't quite as momentous. &nbsp;I liked the name when I saw it on my friend Erin's wedding invitation last year. &nbsp;(It is her husband John's middle name.) &nbsp;I liked the way it flowed with Seth's first name, and when I looked up the meaning and found that it meant "strong and honorable," that sealed the deal.<br /><br />Seth's name was very carefully chosen for our sweet boy, and considering how much I prayed about it, I really believe that God gave us his name. &nbsp;I deeply pray that his name will be a perfect description of the man he will become. &nbsp;I pray that God has appointed him to do great work for His kingdom and that he will be strong and honorable. &nbsp;I believe that he will.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08308329117674966690noreply@blogger.com1